Geography
Why Cryoconite Holes Concentrate Microbial Life on Glacier Surfaces
Quick fact
A single cryoconite hole can host microbial concentrations up to 1000 times greater than the surrounding glacier surface, serving as biodiversity hotspots that support a surprising array of life, including bacteria, algae, fungi, and tiny invertebrates.
Why this is interesting
On the bright, white surface of a glacier, you might expect nothing but ice and cold. But look closely and you'll find small, dark water-filled pits teeming with life. How do these tiny holes become such lively oases in a frozen desert?