Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Scientists have unveiled the most detailed map of Antarctica’s bedrock, revealing mountains, valleys, and hidden canyons buried beneath miles of ice.
A newly discovered canyon in Wilkes Land holds Antarctica’s thickest ice—nearly 3 miles deep, surpassing previous estimates from Adélie Land.
This breakthrough map, Bedmap3, is built on six decades of satellite, radar, and seismic data—offering the clearest view yet of Antarctica’s hidden terrain.
The map confirms that much of Antarctica’s ice sits below sea level—meaning warm ocean water could creep in and accelerate melting faster than expected.
Antarctica’s buried landscapes include towering peaks and deep valleys, shaping how ice will move and melt in a rapidly warming world.
Understanding bedrock bumps and dips helps scientists predict how Antarctic glaciers might speed up or slow down as the climate changes.
New details about the South Pole region provide crucial insights into one of the least explored parts of our planet.
Credit: NASA
The study also mapped ice shelves surrounding Antarctica, revealing how their shape and thickness might impact global sea levels.
With a clearer picture of what lies beneath, scientists now believe Antarctica may be even more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought.