Blood Falls in Antarctica, a striking natural phenomenon, continues to intrigue scientists. The crimson water, first discovered in 1911, flows from the Taylor Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
A 2025 study has provided new insights into the source of this unusual flow. Researchers confirmed that the red color is caused by iron-rich nanospheres. These tiny particles oxidize when they interact with air, resulting in the characteristic red hue.
The 2025 research also pinpointed the origin of the water. It originates from an ancient subglacial lake, isolated for over two million years. This highly saline water supports a unique microbial ecosystem. These microbes survive in the absence of oxygen, using iron and sulfate to generate energy.