Antarctica is one of the popular regions for climate change and environment research projects. Jill Mikucki, an assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Tennessee, said that many studies have been carried out to know about life on the frozen continent.

Mikucki has led a research team in 2011 when they looked for life beneath the surface. For Mikucki, Antarctica is a rare beauty. The team shared that the continent's glaciers hide a complete subsurface ecosystem.

While carrying out the study, the research team came to know about the impact of ancient climate change and also points towards life that is able to survive even in the extreme conditions. The researchers found areas beneath the surface of the ice that are able to sustain life. As per them, microbes are believed to be living in the newly found areas.

The research team used an electromagnetic mapping sensor system called SkyTEM that was mounted to a helicopter and flew many times over several glaciers to look out for water saturated with salt, which forms waterways beneath glaciers.

The team stated that the brine can indicate about previous climate change. Mikucki said that what is below the surface can be entering into oceans and this can affect what is available in those waters and could also change the ocean food webs.

One of the areas being studied by the research team was the Taylor Glacier and a part of the glacier called Blood Falls. The water there was of red color and it happened because of color from iron in the water. Potential life in brine is an indication that life can survive in harsh conditions.

These organisms would be able to live in freezing conditions, in salty liquid and the dark beneath the glacier. This research has set the stage for further research.