Somewhere around two million years ago, the Taylor Glacier sealed beneath 1,300 feet of ice a body of water that contained a ancient community of microbes. A microbe is a living thing, or organism that is too tiny to be seen without the aid of a microscope. Most, but not all are single cell.
Trapped under layers of ice they have remained there for millions of years as they evolved independently. These microbes have survived without air, heat or light. Together they have formed a primordial ooze.
The trapped lake has a high salinity and is rich in iron. It is the iron that gives the waterfall its red color. A fissure in the glacier has allowed the ooze to seep out and form what appears to be a waterfall.
This glacier was first discovered in 1911 by a member of the ill-fated Robert Scott expedition. It’s blood like appearance was then theorized to have been algae. Scientists have since then proven it to be iron oxidaion. Occassionally the glacier wiil spew forth a iron rich ooze that looks much like blood
Comments
How cool is this!
IT'S WEIRD HOW THESE MICRO CELLS COULD LIVE WITHOUT HEAT, AIR OR LIGHT AND THEN OOZE.
How cool...glacier....heh, heh...I get it! WHERE exactly is this Taylor glacier? The Hubbard glacier is in Alaska...but its goin "south"...as many are these days.Good story...
I wonder how large this glacier was in 1911??? Did they have any means to estimate its size? In think, btw, that the Scott party was an Antarctic expedition...dont hold me to that, however.
This is very intresting
its kinda scary
Thanks everyone for your comments. This was a really interesting subject to research. Benny, yes this glacier is in the Antartic...When first discovered the glacier was four times larger than it's current state. The glacier has broken off over time and also decreased in size due to the current warming trend in the region.
How bizzare is this!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!