DID YOU KNOW THAT SNOW IS ALIVE?
Yes! Snow and ice does not only contains the 65% of earth fresh water but is home to hundreds of different spicies. From big animals to bacteries and even algae!
WHAT IS SCIENCE TELLING US?
Snow environments have been forgotten by research for long time but they’re key for the planet biodiversity, resources and climate.
WHY DOES SNOW MATTERS?
water
Glaciers occupy 10% of the Earth’s surface, about 15 million km2, and represent between 60 and 80% of the Earth’s fresh water. And winter snow is providing water during all the year in large populations all around the globe.
Biodiversity
Many organisms live in snow environments. From animals to algae, bacteries and plants. They are a important part of eart’s biodiversity and their role affects other phenomena like the albedo to keep the planet cool.
Climate resilience
Snow and ice surfaces prevents global warming in different ways, Albedo is one of the most important, Snow and ice reflect much of the energy received from the sun. This way, energy returns to space instead of staying on Earth’s surface, where it would increase its temperature.
Are you a teacher, a parent or a young explorer? Here you can find some experiments to understand ice and snow science from home.
RESEARCH
ALPALGA
Exploring algae biodiversity in the mountains
GLAla
Studing the untouched lakes born from melting glciers
WGMS
Monitoring world glaciers research
The White Ocean 