Ancient Landscape Discovered Under Antarctic ice Sheet

A vast, ancient landscape, untouched for over 34 million years, has been discovered buried under 1.6 kilometers of ice in East Antarctica, specifically in Wilkes Land [[2]]. this hidden terrain, once perhaps teeming with rivers, forests, and even palm trees, offers a unique window into Earth’s distant past [[3]].

Unveiling a Lost World Beneath the Ice

Using satellite data and ice-penetrating radar, scientists have mapped this ancient landscape, revealing a terrain that predates the formation of the massive East Antarctic ice sheet [[1]].Pollen samples found near the Antarctic coast provide further evidence of a once-fertile environment. The discovered landscape spans over 19,300 square kilometers.

Did You Know? The East Antarctic ice sheet is so old and stable that some areas of the underlying landscape have experienced minimal erosion for millions of years.

The Formation of Antarctica’s Icy Expanse

millions of years ago, as the continents shifted, Antarctica drifted towards the South Pole. This movement led to the formation of strong ocean currents that isolated the continent from warmer waters.Simultaneously, decreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels contributed to global cooling, triggering the formation of the massive ice sheet that transformed Antarctica into the frozen desert it is today.

professor Stewart Jamieson of Durham University, the lead author of the study, noted that the soil beneath the East Antarctic ice layer is “less well known than the surface of Mars.” His team is meticulously studying a small portion of this landscape to understand the evolution of both the terrain and the ice sheet.

Key Features of the Buried Landscape

the study identified three large elevated blocks of land, each ranging from 120 to 168 kilometers in length and up to 85 kilometers in width, separated by a 40-kilometer-wide valley reaching depths of nearly 1,188 meters.The slow movement of the ice, less than 4.8 meters per year, has preserved the landscape in remarkable detail. This “cold-based ice” freezes to the ground, minimizing erosion.

pro Tip: Scientists use satellite images to detect subtle surface features and computer models to reconstruct the landscape’s evolution over time.

Implications for Understanding Climate Change

Professor Neil Ross of Newcastle University, a co-author of the research, emphasizes the importance of this discovery for understanding the history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and its potential response to future climate change. The preserved terrain offers a glimpse into Antarctica’s past, before it was enveloped in ice.

The research suggests that the landscape was shaped by rivers and supported dense forests in a moderate climate before the arrival of the ice. The shifting landmass of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana created cracks and gaps, potentially dividing the highlands into separate blocks before glaciers formed.

A Race Against Time

About 14 million years ago, the East Antarctic Ice sheet expanded, engulfing the area in ice. Even during warmer periods, like the mid-Pliocene about 3 million years ago, the area remained frozen. This makes the discovery particularly relevant today, as Earth’s carbon dioxide levels and temperatures approach levels not seen since before the ice age.

Scientists warn that continued global warming could lead to the shrinking of the ice sheet. While drilling through 1.6 kilometers of ice to reach the landscape presents significant challenges, the potential insights into Earth’s climate history make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Ancient Landscape Under Antarctic Ice Sheet: Key Stats

What other secrets might be hidden beneath the Antarctic ice? How will this discovery shape our understanding of climate change and Earth’s past?

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