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.

According to the team, the data suggests that penguin poop may be helping reduce some of climate change’s effects on an ever-warming Antarctica.

The clouds in Antarctica might be fueled by penguin poop. Penguin poop - sorry, penguin guano - is creating clouds in Antarctica that could be affecting local temperatures, according to new research published Thursday in Communications Earth & Environment.