Bacteria could be speeding up the darkening of Greenland's ice

Greenland's ice is melting, and scientists have discovered a photosynthesising microbe they believe to be responsible for accelerating the process

A single species of bacteria could be about to accelerate the melting of Greenland. A photosynthesising microbe from a genus called Phormidesmis has been identified as the guilty party behind the darkening of Greenland.

It glues soot and dust together to form a grainy substance known as cryoconite. As the surface darkens, the Greenland ice becomes less reflective, more likely to absorb summer sunlight and more likely to melt.