The Last Mystery of Antarctica’s ‘Blood Falls’ Has Finally Been Solved

Wired

by Simone Valesini

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Antarctica’s enigmatic "Blood Falls," a striking crimson waterfall flowing from the Taylor Glacier, has long puzzled scientists. Discovered in 1911 by geologist Thomas Griffith Taylor, these falls have been the subject of intense scientific curiosity. Recent research published in *Antarctic Science* finally solves the mystery behind their existence and behavior. The falls are driven by a combination of ancient hypersaline brine trapped beneath the glacier and periodic pressure changes caused by the movement of the glacier itself. The red coloration of Blood Falls was initially attributed to red microalgae, but modern science reveals it is due to iron particles trapped in nanospheres along with other elements like silicon, calcium, aluminum, and sodium. These were likely produced by ancient bacteria buried underground, where iron oxidation creates the rusty hue we see today. The liquid itself is not ordinary water but a highly saline brine, formed millions of years ago when the Antarctic Ocean receded from the valleys. This extreme salinity prevents freezing, allowing the water to remain liquid and erupt periodically. The driving force behind these eruptions has now been identified: as Taylor Glacier moves downstream, the overlying ice mass compresses subglacial channels, building immense pressure. When this strain becomes too great, the ice fractures, releasing pressurized brine in short bursts. Interestingly, this hydraulic release acts as a brake on the glacier's movement, temporarily slowing its advance. While the science behind Blood Falls is now clearer, questions remain about how global warming might impact this unique system in the coming decades. This discovery not only sheds light on one of Antarctica’s most puzzling natural wonders but also offers insights into extreme environments and microbial life. For tech enthusiasts, it highlights how cutting-edge research can unravel longstanding mysteries, blending geological processes with microbial activity to create a fascinating story of survival in one of Earth’s harshest landscapes.

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Originally published on Wired on 2/24/2026