Watermelon snow appears in Antarctica, where polar snow algae contain astaxanthin.

Recently, the phenomenon of pink watermelon snow appeared near the Ukrainian science station in Antarctica, which aroused people's concern.
the snow in the area is pink and mysterious and beautiful in the sun.
scientists say this is because snow contains a microorganism called polar snow algae, which is suitable for living in cold climates and remaining "sleeping" at low temperatures.
but when the temperature rises, it starts to grow rapidly.
is red because it contains astaxanthin (carotenoid) to protect against ultraviolet radiation.
other similar algae appear black, brown or yellow.
but scientists say the phenomenon may not be as romantic as it seems.
because when the ice and snow appear red, it will reduce the reflection of sunlight, reduce the rate of melting, if large areas will increase the warming of the situation, threatening the ecosystem.
is not the first time that watermelon snow has occurred.
as early as the 4th century BC, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once recorded this scene in "The Short Sons of Nature".
but in recent years, due to global warming, the frequency of this phenomenon is increasing.
Source: CCTV.