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An analysis in 2003, which laid the groundwork for the most recent discoveries, confirmed it was not algae that caused the red flow into West Lake Bonney. The water was found to contain extremely high levels of iron. The iron atoms in the water turned red when exposed to air — they actually become iron oxide, also known as rust. So, this isn’t blood or algae, but water with rust dissolved in it.
Researchers suspected that the iron-rich water was coming from an ancient source, at least 5 million years old. There didn’t appear to be any liquid water around that would be a match. The answer turns out to be under the glacier’s surface.
Using radio-echo sounding, researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks were able to scan the area around Blood Falls. No drilling was necessary. The team found not just a subsurface lake, but an entire network of flowing water with high salt content in addition to iron. The high salinity of the water (also known as brine) prevents it from freezing, like when you sprinkle salt on your icy steps during the winter. The salt content of the water made this discovery possible due to its high contrast in radar reflections.
Researchers now say that Taylor Glacier represents the oldest known example of flowing water in a glacier. This research could help us understand the way water can persist inside other extremely cold glaciers.
originally posted by: badw0lf
a reply to: Miracula2
Piggy. if a bit violent
originally posted by: NthOther
The first thing I thought was "iron".
Yay science?