In an astounding revelation, scientists have unveiled a prehistoric river-carved landscape hidden beneath the vast expanse of the Antarctic ice sheet. This remarkable discovery promises valuable insights into the long-term stability of the ice sheet and its responses to shifts in climate.
A research team, spearheaded by Durham University in the UK, harnessed the power of satellite data and advanced radio-echo sounding techniques to meticulously map an expansive 32,000 square kilometers beneath the formidable ice sheet. What they uncovered was a landscape that appears to have been sculpted by ancient rivers over 14 million years ago, potentially predating the initial formation of the East Antarctic ice sheet some 34 million years ago.
This newly revealed terrain comprises ancient valleys and ridges, strikingly reminiscent in size and scale to the glacially-altered landscape of North Wales, UK. This finding carries profound implications for our understanding of the region’s long-term temperature stability.
The groundbreaking study, featured in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, offers a glimpse of how Antarctica’s landscape might appear if the ice were to vanish.
Significance for Climate Science
Lead author Professor Stewart Jamieson, of Durham University’s Department of Geography, emphasized the enigmatic nature of the land beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, likening it to the mysteries of the Martian surface. He pointed out that this concealed landscape holds sway over the dynamics of Antarctic ice flow and its responses to past, present, and future climatic variations.
Jamieson stated, “We are delving into a fragment of this landscape with meticulous scrutiny to extract insights into its evolution and its intricate relationship with the ice sheet. What we’ve unearthed is an ancient terrain that has withstood the erosive forces of the ice sheet, suggesting minimal alterations over time. This, in turn, sheds light on how this specific region of the ice sheet might react to future episodes of warming.”
Contributions to Research and Future Endeavors
Co-author Neil Ross, a Professor of Polar Science and Environmental Geophysics at Newcastle University, UK, expressed astonishment at how this concealed landscape, which had remained ‘hidden in plain sight’ for years, now provides pivotal information about the early and enduring history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Furthermore, it aids in deciphering how the ice sheet might evolve in response to forthcoming climate changes.
This discovery builds upon the team’s prior work, in collaboration with fellow researchers, in charting concealed mountain ranges, canyon systems, and subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica’s icy veneer. While these subglacial landscapes remain invisible to the naked eye, satellite imagery has captured subtle undulations on the ice sheet’s surface, offering tantalizing hints about the underlying terrain.
In select instances, the existence of this concealed landscape has been confirmed through radio-echo sounding conducted from aircraft, penetrating the ice to map the contours of the land beneath. The research team conjectures that there may well be additional, as-yet-undiscovered, ancient landscapes concealed beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Professor Jamieson affirmed, “Our exploration of this terrain will persist, striving to fill the gaps in our surveys and leveraging this knowledge to fathom the historical transformations of the ice sheet and its underlying landscape.”
This remarkable undertaking was made possible by the support of the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA, which provided the foundation for the survey data collection.
Reference: “An ancient river landscape preserved beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet” by Stewart S. R. Jamieson, Neil Ross, Guy J. G. Paxman, Fiona J. Clubb, Duncan A. Young, Shuai Yan, Jamin Greenbaum, Donald D. Blankenship, and Martin J. Siegert, 24 October 2023, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42152-2.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Antarctic Subglacial Landscape Discovery
What was discovered beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet?
A prehistoric landscape formed by ancient rivers was discovered beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. This landscape consists of valleys and ridges and provides insights into the region’s geological history.
How did scientists make this discovery?
A research team from Durham University, UK, employed satellite data and radio-echo sounding techniques to map the hidden landscape. These techniques allowed them to penetrate the ice sheet and unveil the ancient terrain.
What is the significance of this discovery for climate science?
The discovery of this ancient landscape offers valuable insights into the long-term stability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and its responses to climate change. It indicates that the region’s conditions may not have changed significantly over time, which has implications for understanding how the ice sheet might react to future warming.
How does this discovery contribute to existing research?
This discovery builds on previous work by the same research team, which has revealed hidden features such as mountain ranges, canyon systems, and subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica’s ice. It adds another layer of understanding to the complex geological history of the region.
What support was provided for this research?
The survey data collection for this research was supported by the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA. These organizations played a crucial role in enabling this groundbreaking scientific exploration.
More about Antarctic Subglacial Landscape Discovery
- Nature Communications: “An ancient river landscape preserved beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet”
- Durham University Department of Geography
- Newcastle University: Polar Science and Environmental Geophysics
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- US National Science Foundation (NSF)
- NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
