Scientists have discovered that wind-blown mineral dust is fuelling algal blooms on the Greenland ice sheet, which is contributing to rising sea levels. The researchers, led by the University of Leeds, found that phosphorus-containing minerals were driving the growth of the algae, which darkened the ice surface, reducing its ability to reflect sunlight. The blooms were found to be particularly prevalent in a low-albedo band known as the Dark Zone. The research will help to improve understanding of how glacier ice algal blooms will contribute to future ice sheet melting.