Snow algae
Group of alpine and polar freshwater algae / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Snow algae are a group of freshwater micro-algae that grow in the alpine and polar regions of the Earth.[1] Snow algae have been found on every continent but are restricted to areas with temperatures between 0°C-10°C.[2] 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.[3][4] 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.[5] Snow algae are primary producers that form the basis of communities on snow or ice sheets that include microbes, tardigrades, and rotifers.[6][7] Snow algae have also been carried great distances by winds.[8]