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2 clusters · 8 sources · 7 days · First seen · Last updated

Antarctic penguin impact on climate change

Overview

Research conducted by the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia (ICMAN-CSIC) and the University of Granada has identified two biological processes by which Antarctic penguin colonies contribute to climate change.

Studies on Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands revealed that chinstrap penguin colonies emit approximately 490,000 tonnes of methane annually through guano. Scientists noted that if these emissions are extrapolated across all Antarctic land areas influenced by such colonies, the total could reach 7 million tonnes per year. While methane is shorter-lived in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, it is significantly more effective at trapping heat.

Additionally, researchers found that penguin guano acts as a fertilizer for snow algae. The nutrients, specifically phosphates, trigger green algal blooms that absorb roughly 40 percent more solar radiation than clean white snow. This biological darkening effect accelerates ice melt, a factor scientists warn is currently missing from many climate models, potentially leading to underestimations of Antarctic ice loss.

Entities

University of Granada · Antarctica · Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia · Chinstrap penguin · Spanish National Research Council

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Antarctic chinstrap penguin colonies emit 490,000 tons of methane annually

    A study reveals that chinstrap penguin colonies in Antarctica emit roughly 490,000 tons of methane per year via guano, highlighting a previously unquantified natural source of greenhouse gases.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Antarctic penguins accelerate ice melt and methane emissions

    Studies reveal Antarctic penguins accelerate ice melt by fertilizing algae with guano and emit nearly 500,000 tonnes of methane annually, a factor missing from many climate projections.

Sources

caminodesantiago.lavozdegalicia.com · es.gizmodo.com · euronews.net · greenenergytimes.org · nosabesnada.com · televen.com · tiemposur.com.ar · time.news