Algae, Impurities Darken Greenland Ice Sheet and Intensify Melting – Science Daily
MODIS/NASA
Article Synopsis – Scientists using drone surveys have determined that the dirty belt of the western Greenland Ice Sheet, known as the Dark Zone, is covered in dark colored algae. The algae feed on the dust and black carbon across this zone. Even slight increases in atmospheric temperature in this region promote algae colonization across the ice surface. The darker this zone is the more of the sun’s energy it absorbs, and the faster the ice melts, up to five times faster than in areas covered in white snow. To read the actual article click here.