What are ice algae and snow algae?
Q: What are ice algae and snow algae?
A: Ice algae and snow algae are types of algae and cyanobacteria that grow on long-lasting snow and ice fields like glaciers.
Q: What causes ice and snow to become colored during summer months?
A: When liquid water is available between the snow and ice crystals, ice and snow may become colored green, yellow or red during summer months due to the growth of ice and snow algae.
Q: What is the purpose of the red pigment in some ice and snow algae?
A: The red pigment in some ice and snow algae protects against excessive visual light and ultraviolet radiation of the sun, which can cause photoinhibition of photosynthesis or mutations. Without it, the algae at the surface would suffer chromosome breaks and DNA mutations.
Q: Where are ice algal communities also found besides on glaciers?
A: There are also ice algal communities on sea ice.
Q: Why are ice algal communities important in polar ecosystems?
A: Ice algal communities (mainly diatoms) are important in polar ecosystems (especially Antarctica) because they provide food for krill.
Q: How do krill obtain food from ice algal communities on sea ice?
A: Krill scrape off the algae from the underside of the ice, which is colored brown by the algae.
Q: Where can ice algae be found in relation to ice crystals?
A: Ice algae may be found between ice crystals or attached to them, in the water or saltwater channels between ice crystals.
