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Comments on Gigapan: Snow Algae SA3

  2. This is a Snow Algae sample (sample SA3) given to me to image by Thomas Beer. This is made up of 27 images of the sample magnified 800x.

    • 80777-210x140

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      Comments
      4
      Snapshots
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      Total Views
      2829
      Explore Score
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        Size
        0.02 Gigapixels
        Added
        June 22, 2009
        Date Taken
        June 21, 2009
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GigaPan Comments (4)

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  1. Molly Gibson

    Molly Gibson (July 01, 2009, 03:53PM )

    I do believe so:)

  2. annorrich

    annorrich (July 01, 2009, 03:47PM )

    I'm sorry, I meant it changed snow reddish pink, particularly where I've seen it above 10k ft. in the Sierra Nevada. Looks like Wikipedia had it right: "Watermelon snow, also called snow algae, is snow that is reddish or pink in color, with the slight scent of a fresh watermelon. This type of snow is common during the summer in alpine and coastal polar regions worldwide, such as the Sierra Nevada of California. Here, at altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet (3,000–3,600 m), the temperature is cold throughout the year, and so the snow has lingered from winter storms. Compressing the snow by stepping on it or making snowballs leaves it looking red. Walking on watermelon snow often results in getting bright red soles and pinkish pant cuffs. Watermelon snow is caused by the presence mainly of Chlamydomonas nivalis, a species of green algae containing a secondary red carotenoid pigment (astaxanthin) in addition to chlorophyll. Unlike most species of fresh-water algae, it is cryophilic (cold-loving) and thrives in freezing water.[1] Its specific epithet, nivalis, is from Latin and refers to snow." Is this the same algae you're looking at? Thanks

  3. Molly Gibson

    Molly Gibson (July 01, 2009, 02:36PM )

    I'm not sure if it's the same species of algae, the types I imaged are red and green. However, this algae does change the color of the snow and lives in extreme environments. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_algae&n bsp;Will open in a new tab or window

  4. annorrich

    annorrich (July 01, 2009, 02:17PM )

    Is this the same algae that turns snow and glaciers blue?