Pigmented algae are well adapted to grow on exposed ice in the Arctic as the snow line recedes, raising concerns of a feedback loop that could lead to faster sea level rise

Glaciers are huge white ice masses that can reflect a lot of sunlight. However, especially where the glaciers are not covered in snow and the bare ice is exposed, they sometimes have dark patches. These are microscopic algae that grow on the ice and darken its surface.

Most people probably think of glaciers as massive blocks of white ice. But many glaciers have dark patches because of the growth of algae, which can... | Earth And The Environment

The tiny ice inhabitants darken the glacier surface and can thus accelerate its melting.