In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled an ancient, hidden world beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, offering a correction to the traditional perception of a frozen wasteland. This revelation reshapes our understanding of Antarctica's history and environmental conditions.
A research team led by Durham University in the UK employed satellite data and advanced radio-echo sounding techniques to unveil a vast, concealed landscape spanning 32,000 square kilometres under the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
This newly discovered landscape, believed to have been shaped by rivers over 14 million years ago, predates the initial formation of the East Antarctic ice around 34 million years ago.
This ancient terrain comprises valleys and ridges that are strikingly reminiscent of the glacially-altered landscape in North Wales, UK, signifying long-term temperature stability of the ice sheet in the studied region.
Lead author Professor Stewart Jamieson, from Durham University, likened the lack of knowledge about the East Antarctic land to the mysteries of Mars, pointing to the relative stability of the area despite past ice retreats during warmer periods.
Co-author Neil Ross, Professor of Polar Science and Environmental Geophysics at Newcastle University, UK, expressed amazement at the profound insights that this "hidden in plain sight" landscape provides about the early and long-term history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
The recent discovery builds upon the team's prior work, which had revealed concealed mountain ranges, canyons, and lakes beneath the Antarctic ice. The researchers suggest that additional undiscovered ancient landscapes may remain hidden under the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
The proposed changes aren't however finalised. A "public comment period" will run until December 22, 2023, allowing stakeholders, immigrants, and employers to contribute feedback. The Department of Homeland Security will review feedback and will accordingly publish a final rule in 2024.
This discovery underscores the significance of ongoing exploration and research in this largely uncharted territory, emphasising that there is much more to uncover beneath the ice.
This revelation prompts a re-evaluation of the conventional perception of Antarctica, demonstrating that it has a rich geological history dating back millions of years.