What Causes Colored Snowfalls?

Most people think that snow can only be white, but actually it can be red, green or brown. It can be other colors too. Red or green snow has a name and it is called algae snow. The red or green snow is caused from the growth of algae. It is also called watermelon snow. This type of snow is common in the alpine regions of the world. It is also common in polar regions. The color is one thing, but this type of snow also has a scent of watermelon. This type of snow fall white. but it is the algae that grows on it after it has fallen. Other colors of snow may be blue, yellow or brown. Brown snow is the result of dust or pollutants in the air.

English: Unusual watermelon snow pits. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Colored snowis an amazing sight to see as it is also interesting when being observed. If you are surprised, then you may also want to know that snow can also be the beautiful colors of gray and black too. Gray and black snow is caused by petroleum-based contaminants. This type of snow is often seen in a very heavy polluted area. Gray and black snow is usually oily and has a bad smell to it. A large amount of frozen water is usually pale blue in color. So blue snow can be seen when the snow is in a shadowed location. Although these types of snows can be really beautiful, they can be quite dangerous too. These colored snows should never be eaten because they can really make one very sick.

Many of these colored snows are caused by chemicals in the air. There is also yellow snow that can be caused from some fallen leaves. Some yellow snow is caused by different plant pigments. It is really interesting to study snow chemistry. The Antarctic is famous for the red and green snow that not only looks like the colors of watermelon, but it also has a sweet watermelon taste. It is not advisable that you eat it. It is known to be sweet because of the scientists that study the snow’s chemistry. When you see colored snow, you will know that it is caused by something in the environment that is not so good. Many people have shared pictures of the colored snows that have fallen in their area. Many people may not even see colored snow depending on the region of the world they live in.