New discoveries shed light on mysteries of Antarctica's landscapes
Recent discoveries in Antarctica have sparked interest, revealing new explanations for previously mysterious phenomena. A viral Google Maps image of a supposed "secret doorway" was identified as a grounded iceberg, debunking wild theories about hidden structures. The red color of Blood Falls, long attributed to algae, is now understood to be caused by tiny iron-rich nanospheres that react with air. This finding clarifies a mystery that puzzled scientists for over a century. Additionally, the Maud Rise polynya, a giant hole in the ice, has been linked to underwater currents that create turbulent conditions, allowing salt to rise and melt the ice. Lastly, the Ross Ice Shelf produces unique sounds when strong winds pass over it, creating vibrations detected by seismic sensors.