The researchers further demonstrated that the ammonia kicks off an atmospheric chain reaction. Out at sea, tiny plantlike organisms known as phytoplankton release the gas dimethyl sulfide, which transforms into sulphuric acid in the atmosphere. Because ammonia is a base, it reacts readily with this acid.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline The weird way that penguin poop might be cooling Antarctica on May 22, 2025. Alaska, Hawaii and areas along the mainland West Coast would be at risk if an earthquake erupts along the Cascadia subduction zone within the next 50 years.

Previous models have found clouds fueled by seabird guano in the Arctic do cool the ground, but the study authors say observations are needed to confirm the effect on the climate.