Red snow
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-008463
Snow that appears reddish or pink due to the presence of pigmented microorganisms, primarily a species of green algae called Chlamydomonas nivalis. These algae contain a red carotenoid pigment that protects them from intense ultraviolet radiation in high-altitude or polar environments. This phenomenon is also known as 'watermelon snow' due to its color and sometimes faint scent.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-008463 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-008463",
"term": "Red snow",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "Snow that appears reddish or pink due to the presence of pigmented microorganisms, primarily a species of green algae called Chlamydomonas nivalis. These algae contain a red carotenoid pigment that protects them from intense ultraviolet radiation in high-altitude or polar environments. This phenomenon is also known as 'watermelon snow' due to its color and sometimes faint scent.",
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/red-snow/"
}
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