Snow algae

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]