You've heard for so long now that global warming is to blame for ice in the extreme north and extreme south of the planet melting at alarming rates and causing increased sea levels, but NASA's latest study reveals that there is something that can finally explain the melting snow & ice once and for all.
NASA is putting the blame on aerosols, which include dust, black carbons, and organic carbons. These, when gravity takes effect, fall on top of the snow, causing a phenomenon known as darkened snow.
NASA believes that this darkened snow absorbs more sunlight instead of reflecting it, and the increased heat from absorbing the light is melting the snow and ice faster than if it were clean and white.
These aerosols come from various activities of the planet, both natural and by cause of our own hand.
NASA notes that the darkened snow is mostly noticeable in places like Europe, North American, and Asia.