Why Does Some Mountain Snow Turn Pink?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does some mountain snow turn pink?

The Big Idea

Some mountain snow turns pink because of tiny living things called algae! In late spring and summer, they wake up in the melting snow. They have a red pigment that works like sunscreen.

Algae Wake Up

Step one: algae wake up. Snow algae sleep in the snow all winter. In late spring and summer, they wake up in the melting snow.

Red Sunscreen

Step two: red sunscreen. Bright mountain sunlight is very strong, especially on snow. The algae make a red pigment that works like sunscreen, so patches of snow look pink or red.

Watermelon Snow

Step three: watermelon snow. Some people call it watermelon snow because it can smell a little sweet. But do not eat it, because it can upset your stomach.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The algae are alive and too small to see one by one. Their red color shows up when many gather together, like tiny red dots. They use sunlight to make their own food. The snow looks pretty, but it is not for eating.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The snow algae are alive and make their own food from sunlight. They can live in places that are cold, wet, and snowy. Watermelon snow can make snow melt a bit faster. Never eat colored snow, and always stay close to your grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, mix a drop of red and a drop of blue food coloring into crushed ice. Draw a mountain with a pink snow patch. Remember, do not eat it! Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Pink snow is a sign of tiny life in the cold. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!