In Antarctica, penguin colonies emit ammonia through their guano, which combines with other molecules in the atmosphere to form particles that seed cloud formation. These clouds reflect sunlight, contributing to local cooling effects. Researchers observed this phenomenon at a colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins, noting that the ammonia levels were 1,000 times higher than normal background levels.

The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, suggests that penguin guano's impact on cloud formation could be widespread across Antarctica. While clouds generally cool the Earth's surface by reflecting sunlight, they can also trap heat under certain conditions, indicating a complex relationship between penguin activity and climate dynamics.

Penguin guano's ammonia emissions can lead to cloud formation, potentially influencing Antarctic climate patterns.