Researchers discover that the ice cap is teeming with microorganisms

Credit: Laura Halbach

Danish researchers have found more than 4,000 different species of microorganisms in melt holes in the ice like these.

« Researchers discover that the ice cap is teeming with microorganisms

Credit: Alexandre Anesio

The algae that colour the ice look like this under a microscope. Long microorganisms that protect themselves against the sun's radiation with dark pigment.

« Researchers discover that the ice cap is teeming with microorganisms

Credit: Laura Halbach

When the ice becomes badly affected by algae, it is more black than it is white. Previously, researchers believed that the colour was due to dust that settled on the ice. Today, we know that the black colour is caused by tiny algae.

« Researchers discover that the ice cap is teeming with microorganisms

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