Every spring, the snow in some areas of the Alps turns red.
The reason for this is an algae by name Chlamydomonas nivalis, better known as blood snow. French researchers are now working to find out why the algae are spreading, reports the news agency Reuters.
They have talked to the research leader at Grenoble’s national research center, Eric Marcehal, about the phenomenon.
They are not sure why it happens, but have the following theory:
– This algae is actually green, but in the snow it develops a pigment that resembles sunscreen to protect itself.
There are many indications that the blood snow appears as it gets warmer.
– This area melts before our eyes, so it is urgent, says Marcehal.
TAKING SAMPLES: Research leader Eric Marechal collects samples of snow in the French Alps. Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters / NTB
sea view
Exists in Norway
Biologist Karl Tangen has been researching algae for over 50 years. Even though he is now retired, he says that at times he still gets questions about the phenomenon.
– The red-colored snow often appears in spring and early summer. I really think it’s just a little fun natural phenomenon.
– Is this algae in Norway?
– I have seen it in several places, including in Jotunheimen. You do not have to go many hundreds of meters up in the height before you can see it in the snow.
