Blood Falls, located on Taylor Glacier in East Antarctica, is known for its crimson waters resembling blood. This color is caused by iron reacting with oxygen, not red algae as originally thought, according to a new study.
The water from Blood Falls is salty, indicating a separate source within the glacier, likely formed when ancient seawater flooded the area before the glacier froze. The water remains liquid due to the heat released during freezing and the lower freezing point of salty water.
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The bright red waterfall that flows from the glacier had surprised scientists for over a century
(Photo: Twitter)
The water at Blood Falls is discharged episodically, and the reason for this is not yet understood. However, the briny waters are inhabited by microorganisms, providing insights into the search for extraterrestrial life.
Researchers have discovered a hidden reservoir 400 meters below the ice near Blood Falls, but its size is unknown. Taylor Glacier is the coldest glacier with continuously flowing water.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Live Science, Ruetir, and Breaking Latest News.