Could it be algae?

• by Animal3

  I was just wondering if these blotches could possibly be algae, because if they come every spring that could mean that they come at spring when the sun is not too hot and die in the summer when it is too hot and remains dead or dormant through autumn and winter and then re-appear next spring? Just a idea!!!

  Posted January 9, 2013 8:31 PM

• by mschwamb scientist, translator

  Not algae. But you're right that has to do with the Sun. The blotches and fans are seasonal deposits of dust and dirt on top of the ice and channels produced by carbon dioxide due to sublimation of carbon dioxide at the base of the ice sheet by the Sun's heat. You can find out more here
  Cheers,
  ~Meg

  Posted January 9, 2013 8:54 PM

• by mschwamb scientist, translator

  Not algae. But you're right that has to do with the Sun. The blotches and fans are seasonal deposits of dust and dirt on top of the ice and channels produced by carbon dioxide due to sublimation of carbon dioxide at the base of the ice sheet by the Sun's heat. You can find out more here
  Cheers,
  ~Meg

  Posted January 9, 2013 8:55 PM