New study investigates threat of 'watermelon snow' to mountain glaciers
The darker the snow, the faster it melts — and new research sheds light on the threat snow algae poses to shrinking glaciers across northwestern North America.
![New study investigates threat of 'watermelon snow' to mountain glaciers](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7039126.1704476474!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/watermelon-snow.jpg)
![A unique ecosystem of microorganisms like algae and fungi are responsible for sometimes giving snow an unusual reddish hue. A hiker stands in a snowfield in front of a mountain range on a cloudy day](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7039126.1704476474!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/watermelon-snow.jpg)
The darker the snow, the faster it melts — and new research sheds light on the threat snow algae poses to shrinking glaciers across northwestern North America.