The red pigments clotting these formerly fresh white vistas are actually a kind of algae native to snowfields and mountains around the world. According to Live Science, this algae, known as Chlamydomonas nivalis, lies dormant during the harsh winter months only to bloom come summer, spreading its bloody spores across the landscape. Compounds called carotenoids give the algal spores their characteristic red pigment. It’s actually the same pigment that grants pumpkins and carrots their orange hue.

Researchers have always observed some C. nivalis blooms during the Antarctic summer, but this year the blooms have grown to match the frozen continent’s record heat. As a result, atmospheric scientists fear the excess dark pigment may set off a dangerous feedback loop for the climate.

Ukrainian researchers highlighted the problem on their Facebook page: “Snow blossoms contribute to climate change. Because of the red-crimson color, the snow reflects less sunlight and melts faster. As a consequence, it produces more and more bright algae.” In other words, dark algal blooms raise temperatures and raised temperatures increase algal blooms. Yikes. The image of a shrinking glacier slowly bleeding to death might be poetic if it wasn’t so terrifying.