Scientists have found important clues about the source of the red-colored water coming out of the mysterious ‘Blood Falls’ in Antarctica’s Taylor Valley.

This red-colored salt water has been the focus of scientists’ attention for years, and its red color has been attributed to iron in the water, but new research offers a new explanation for its origin.

According to a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, experts have discovered molecular and genetic evidence of a marine origin for the salt water from Blood Falls, further supporting the ancient theory that the water was once part of the ocean.

The researchers collected and analyzed 167 samples of water, sediment and air from Blood Falls and its surroundings. The study found that samples from Blood Falls contained 9 percent of eukaryotic genetic signatures from marine environments, compared to about 1 percent in samples taken from other locations.

According to scientists, the new evidence strengthens the long-held view that Blood Falls’ water came from a reservoir of ancient seawater trapped beneath the Taylor Glacier millions of years ago.

The presence of strong marine genetic signatures in the red brine provides evidence that an ancient marine ecosystem existed here, which later became isolated under the Antarctic ice sheet, the researchers say.

According to scientists, this discovery may help in understanding the survival of microscopic organisms in extreme environments.

In addition, the research could also help explore the possibility of life inside other icy bodies such as Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus.