Scientists have unraveled the final mystery behind Antarctica’s Blood Falls, a striking red waterfall that flows from the Taylor Glacier. For over a century, the source of its color and its ability to flow in extreme cold baffled researchers. New research confirms that the water originates from a deep, ancient subglacial reservoir, not from a lake as previously thought. The distinctive red hue is caused by iron-rich brine oxidizing upon contact with air. The study also explains the falls’ constant flow, attributing it to a unique ‘hydraulic dam’ effect where water releases latent heat as it freezes, melting surrounding ice to create a pathway. This discovery provides insights into extreme life forms and hydrological processes in Antarctica. Read the full article at: https://www.wired.com/story/the-last-mystery-of-antarcticas-blood-falls-has-finally-been-solved/