The mystery behind Blood Falls has finally been solved. For thousands of years, Antarctica kept one of its strangest secrets hidden beneath layers of ice—until now.

A striking red river flows over Taylor Glacier, named after its discoverer, Griffith Taylor, who came upon it in 1911. This eerie phenomenon, which stains the pristine white ice as if with blood, was aptly named Blood Falls. But what could cause such a vivid spectacle in the heart of the South Pole?

Early theories ranged from the decomposition of a large animal to the presence of red algae that might tint the ice. However, these ideas were dismissed when scientists found high levels of iron oxide—essentially rust—in samples taken from the site.

The breakthrough was made possible by modern technology and the persistence of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Colorado College. Using radar imaging, they traced the flow of salt-saturated water deep inside the glacier, up to 300 meters below the surface.

According to scientists Jessica Badgeley and Erin Pettit, this underground water, rich in iron, carves a hidden path through the ice. When it emerges and meets the air, the iron oxidizes, turning the water a deep red and giving rise to the waterfall’s dramatic hue.

Even more astonishing, researchers discovered ancient bacteria living in this extreme environment—organisms that have survived without sunlight or oxygen for thousands of years.

One lingering question was why the water inside the glacier doesn’t freeze. The answer lies in the glacier’s ancient origins. Millions of years ago, as it expanded across Antarctica, the glacier engulfed a saltwater lake. The high salt concentration in the trapped water prevents it from freezing, even under extreme conditions.

While Antarctica may seem remote and inhospitable, it’s not entirely out of reach. Adventure tourism routes are available for those daring enough to face the elements. These expeditions typically begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on Earth.

So if you ever find yourself drawn to the secrets of the South Pole… and you make the journey, don’t forget to tell us about your experience!