Presena glacier is turning pink.
The pink alpine snow-capped mountains sound romantic, but in fact they suck. The facts behind it once again sounded the alarm of environmental problems!
Scientists believe that an algae has created pink glaciers, and it is related to climate change.
Although the source of these algae is inconclusive, Biagio Di Mauro of the Italian National Research Council said that the pink snow observed in parts of the Presena Glacier was probably caused by the same algae found in Greenland.
It is this algae that causes the so-called "dark zone" on Greenland ice.
Under normal circumstances, ice will reflect more than 80% of solar radiation back to the atmosphere, but the appearance of this algae makes the color of the ice layer darker, which makes the ice absorb heat and melt faster.
The acceleration of the melting speed of the ice layer provides important water and air for algae, which makes these algae flourish and form a vicious circle.
Greenland's "dark zone"
In the past twenty years, this "dark zone" in the southwest of Greenland has expanded rapidly. According to the data of 20 18, its longest and widest part reached 400 km and 100 km respectively.
Now, this algae has begun to occupy the Presena glacier at an altitude of 26 18 meters.
"We are trying to quantify the impact of phenomena other than human behavior on global warming."
Dimulo and his research team are continuing to explore that mountaineering and ski lifts are also important factors affecting algae.
In this regard, some tourists lament the impact of climate change.
"Unfortunately, our living environment is being irreversibly destroyed. I think we are on the road of no return. "
The conservation team is covering the Presena Glacier with film.
You may still have the impression that there was a similar anomaly in Antarctica at the end of February this year.
The Ukrainian National Antarctic Science Center seems to have been invaded by a "new species", and the invasion momentum is very fierce. From a distance, it looks like red snow, which brings strong visual impact to people.
Scientists explained that this is because the snow contains a microorganism called the polar snow algae, which is suitable for living in a cold climate and staying "dormant" at low temperatures.
But when the temperature rises, it will start to grow rapidly.
It is red because it contains astaxanthin (carotenoid) which prevents ultraviolet radiation. There are other similar algae that appear black, brown or yellow. Others call it "watermelon snow".
"Watermelon Snow" is not the first time. As early as the 4th century BC, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle recorded this scene in his short story Nature.
However, in recent years, the frequency of this phenomenon is increasing due to global warming.
In addition, scientists also said:
When the snow and ice are red, it will reduce the reflection of the sun's light and accelerate the melting speed. If it appears in a large area, it will aggravate climate warming and threaten the ecosystem!
In addition to all kinds of algae, the frozen soil problem in the North and South Poles also worries scientists.
If the permafrost in Antarctica begins to melt, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane frozen in the soil in the past will be released, and global warming will be even more unstoppable. ...
Some methane bubbles frozen in ice
If green plants grow in permafrost, they will absorb more heat than snow and ice in the past and accelerate global warming.
Take the north pole as an example. If the arctic ice melts abnormally, it will slow down the meridional circulation of the Atlantic Ocean and eventually affect the climate in various regions.
According to National Geographic, if all the ice covering Antarctica, Greenland, glaciers and other places melts, the sea level will rise by nearly 70 meters (2 16 feet), flooding most coastal cities (that is, the most densely populated, prosperous and developed areas).
What happens when the sea level rises by 2 16 feet?
According to Shi Ying's report, melting ice may trigger more frequent major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions around the world.
Scientists also said that if the frozen soil thaws, it will affect some human infrastructures:
Moreover, experts pointed out that the "unstable trend" of frozen soil in Alaska has caused damage to local infrastructure such as roads, pipelines and tracks. ...
After talking about algae invasion and climate warming, let's talk about marine pollution.
65 years ago, the world began to produce plastics on a large scale. Since then, the amount of plastic we use has soared, and plastic pollution has also increased.
In 20 15, the plastic output was 387 million tons, while in 1950, it was only 2 million tons.
The amazing excessive consumption of this substance has had a devastating impact on the environment, and our ocean is currently suffering the most serious losses.
It is estimated that 8 million pieces of plastic pollutants flow into the ocean every day. Together, the current plastic pollution is 5.25 trillion pieces.
Plastic waste kills about 654.38 billion marine animals every year. Some scientists predict that by 2050, its number will greatly exceed that of fish in the ocean.
There is no doubt that we are losing our ocean bit by bit because of excessive consumption of plastics.
Fortunately, someone tried to stop all this by cleaning up marine debris.
On June 23, the ocean plastic recycling ship of Ocean Navigation Research Institute returned from a heroic voyage.
After 48 days of investigation, 103 tons of discarded fishing nets and plastic waste were cleared from the Pacific garbage area, which is also known as the "Pacific garbage vortex".
This is by far the largest maritime clean-up operation in the "Pacific Garbage Area", and the plastic and garbage cleaned out can be described as shocking.
"I am proud of our hard-working crew. We have exceeded the target of capturing 65,438+000 tons of toxic consumer plastics and abandoned ghost nets. In this challenging era, let us continue to help restore the health of the ocean, which is also related to our own health and the health of the earth. "
Ms lady mary crawley, founder and executive director of Ocean Navigation Research Institute, said.
However, even after the plastic cleaning record was set this year, the Pacific circulation area between Hawaii and California is still the area with the most plastic waste.
At present, the Institute of Ocean Navigation is preparing to recycle and properly dispose of a large amount of garbage collected recently.
Besides professional organizations, others have also taken action.
Five students from MADS Advertising School in Moscow, Russia, made a series of creative public service advertisements by using IKEA's popular plush toys.
Creative promoters called this activity "plastic surgery", and they tied IKEA's popular plush toys with common plastic products in life. Nakedly reflects the reality that millions of animals are injured by plastic in their natural habitats.
Creative promoters hope to raise people's awareness of marine plastic pollution and encourage consumers and enterprises to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.
Ordinary people, what should we do? Maybe we can start with these things!
Do a good job in reduction, reuse and recycling: reduce unnecessary waste, adhere to waste utilization, and do a good job in garbage classification.
Minimize your carbon footprint, such as riding and walking instead of driving on short trips.
Replace incandescent bulbs at home with energy-saving bulbs; Capable friends can consider using more new energy products.
Reduce the consumption of disposable plastics, such as plastic bags, plastic straws and plastic tableware.
Change the concept, integrate the consideration of environmental burden into every link of life, and don't buy over-packaged products.
Saving water in production and life is indeed a key step in energy conservation and environmental protection.
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