Penguin Guano's Ongoing Role in Antarctic Clouds

Recent research finds that penguin colonies in Antarctica play a significant role in cloud formation due to ammonia emitted from their guano, which combines with sulfuric compounds from marine phytoplankton to create aerosol particles that seed clouds. Measurements near large Adélie penguin colonies showed ammonia concentrations up to 1,000 times higher than baseline levels, greatly increasing cloud-seeding particle formation. These clouds can reflect sunlight, potentially cooling the region, moderating climate change effects, and helping to preserve sea ice. Notably, the impact of penguin guano on cloud formation continues even after penguins migrate, as residual guano keeps emitting ammonia. However, scientists caution that the net climate impact of these clouds, particularly over both ice and ocean, is still under investigation. Understanding this ecological process is critical for assessing Antarctica’s changing climate.