Short Wave The Mysterious Ice Worm
Jul 12, 2021
Nell Greenfieldboyce, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of ice worms, tiny creatures thriving in the glaciers of the Pacific Northwest. She discusses how these thread-like worms survive extreme conditions, their unique feeding habits, and their surprising role as climate change indicators. Listeners learn about the challenges researchers face to study these elusive organisms and the urgent need to understand their ecology in a warming world. Join Nell as she unravels the mysteries hidden within the icy realms.
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Ice Worm Misconception
- Peter Wimberger initially believed ice worms were fictional.
- His student then proved their existence with a stack of papers.
Ice Worm Description
- Ice worms are small, black worms inhabiting mountaintop glaciers.
- They resemble tiny earthworms, thriving in snow instead of soil.
Ice Worm Visibility
- Ice worms are only visible on the glacier surface at specific times.
- They appear in the summer during the late afternoon.