A darned interesting and slightly disgusting story about how penguin droppings (guano, poop, etc.) contribute enough ammonia to the Antarctic atmosphere to induce cloud formation.
Having experienced the pungent penguin output downwind from a large colony, I can attest to its vaporous effects. It certainly brought tears to my eyes. I can see how it might induce extra condensation in the marine atmosphere.
Penguin poop could be driving Antarctic cloud formation
Ammonia gas from the birds’ feces sets off a reaction that potentially blunts some local effects of climate change"When scientists measured ammonia levels in the air near Marambio Base, a research station on the Antarctic Peninsula operated by Argentina, they found that the concentration skyrocketed when wind blew from the direction of a nearby Adélie penguin colony. Even when the birds migrated away, the feces left behind continued to emit large amounts of the gas."
Penguin guano is an important source of climate-relevant aerosol particles in Antarctica (this is the actual research paper)
"Don't look at me, I didn't make these clouds."
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