Antarctica has long captivated interest due to its unexplored desert landscapes. In 2024, researchers highlighted the top four most enigmatic discoveries in this icy realm.
One of the "wonders" of 2024 was a chilling door amidst the snow. Additionally, researchers have been pondering the mystery of the "blood-filled" waterfalls in icy Antarctica.
Secret Doorway
An image of Antarctica on Google Maps went viral in October, revealing a secret passage in the snow southeast of the Japanese Showa Station. Following the photo's release, various theories emerged regarding the strange hole, ranging from Nazi bunker theories to a hidden city within the Earth's crust. However, it was determined that the mysterious doorway is an iceberg trapped in the snow.
Blood Flowing
The terrifying "blood waterfalls" in Antarctica have puzzled scientists for over 110 years. Recently, an American research team discovered tiny spheres in the water that turned red upon contact with air. Against the backdrop of white snow and ice, this appeared quite eerie.
The nanospherules, composed of iron, silicon, calcium, aluminum, sodium, and other elements, contributed to the transformation of meltwater into a reddish-orange hue. Iron in the nanospherules formed oxides and hydroxides as soon as the water met the air, scientists explained. High salinity and the presence of chlorine, magnesium, and sodium played significant roles in forming yellow-orange iron phases.
Giant Hole
Giant holes in the Earth always intrigue. The Polynyas, areas of open water surrounded by sea ice, have baffled scientists since they were first noticed in satellite images fifty years ago. According to researchers, in 1974, the hole was approximately the size of New Zealand. It was not observed again until 2017 when it reappeared, roughly the size of Portugal.
In May 2024, experts finally discovered the cause of the hole. A strong current moving around the underwater Mount Maud Rise in the Wendell Sea created turbulent whirlpools—an undertow that pushed salt to the ocean's surface. When the salt reached the surface, a process called Ekman transport occurred, moving water at a 90-degree angle to the wind direction, researchers say. This facilitated the mixing of salt with heat at the surface and the melting of ice, forming a large hole.
Singing Ice
Thanks to winds that can reach up to 320 km/h, eerie sounds are often heard in Antarctica. Scientists found that the Ross Ice Shelf, extending over 600 km, sings when the wind blows. As gusts sweep across snow dunes, they create vibrations that researchers can detect using seismic sensors.