Why does the coast of Iran’s Hormuz Island turn red in the rain?

Nature seems to change color as soon as the clouds break and rain falls. When it rains on Hormuz Island in southern Iran, the water turns bright red when it touches the ground—and that red stream flows down and merges with the Persian Sea. From a distance, it looks like the sea is covered in blood.

Although it may seem miraculous at first glance, behind this mysterious scene lies the special geography of Hormuz Island and its unique 'round' soil.

The soil of Hormuz is extremely high in iron or iron oxide. When rainwater mixes with this iron, it takes on a red color. To explain it a little further, iron absorbs short wavelengths of light after mixing with water. And reflects long wavelengths of red. As a result, we see the water red.

Hormuz Island is 670 kilometers south of Iran's capital, Tehran. Rainfall here is usually quite low. Rain is only seen in winter and early spring. Many tourists call this rain 'blood rain' or 'blood rain'. However, the rainwater remains its normal color until it hits the ground.

The soil of Hormuz is used in industries and local cultural activities. Due to various chemicals, the soil of the island is not only red but also yellow, orange and other colors. For this, Hormuz has another name - 'Rainbow Island'. Many tourists flock there every year to enjoy the beauty of this island.

Photos and videos of Tuesday's incident have gone viral on social media. People have commented on it. One wrote, 'Maybe the idea of ​​the name Red Sea came because of such a color.' Another wrote, 'I hope this did not happen for some rare mineral. Otherwise, excavations will start on this beautiful island again.'

Source: The Guardian