Investigating Red Snow Algae Resurfacing and Distribution Patterns

This project proposes to investigate the mechanism and consequences of seasonal
red snow algae reappearance on an Alaskan icefield. Proposed field manipulation
experiments will test the primary mechanism of snow algae reappearance and potential
limiting agents to reappearance, while proposed spatial analysis –using NASA’s Landsat
and other imagery– will examine the effects of variations in annual snowpack depth on
algae reappearance, abundance, and consequent effects to albedo.