Snow algae

Group of alpine and polar freshwater algae

Snow algae are a group of freshwater micro-algae that grow in the alpine and polar regions of the Earth. Snow algae have been found on every continent but are restricted to areas with temperatures between 0°C-10°C. Snow algae are pigmented by chlorophyll and carotenoids and can be a variety of colors depending on the individual species, life stage, and topography/geography. The pigmentation of snow algae reduces snow and ice albedo, which can stimulate the melting of perennial snow and ice and exacerbate the effects of climate change. Snow algae are primary producers that form the basis of communities on snow or ice sheets that include microbes, tardigrades, and rotifers. Snow algae have also been carried great distances by winds.

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