Algae reduces reflectivity, enhances ice sheet melt: Study
A Europe-based study has shown that algae growth on the Greenland ice sheet, world's second-largest ice sheet, significantly reduces surface reflectivity and contributes more to its melting than mineral dust or carbon. Researchers found algal darkening responsible for 5-10% of the total ice sheet melt each summer, with the increased absorption of solar radiation accelerating the melting process.