Ancient River Landscape Hidden Beneath East Antarctic Ice Sheet for 34 Million Years
Scientists have uncovered a stunning discovery – an ancient river landscape that has been hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet for millions of years. According to a study published in Nature Communications, global warming could eventually reveal this buried landscape as climate change progresses.
The landscape, estimated to have been covered by ice for up to 34 million years, was once part of a region in Antarctica with a climate similar to modern-day southern South America. Fossils and evidence of tropical vegetation, including palm trees, have been found, suggesting a much different environment than what exists today.
This ancient river landscape was recently discovered in the Aurora-Schmidt basins of Antarctica, providing valuable insights into the continent’s history. The river system would have flowed from the middle of the continent to the coast millions of years ago, during the breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent. Satellite images and ice-penetrating radar were used to locate the buried landscape.
The discovery sheds light on the effects of glaciation and climate change in Antarctica. As glaciers formed and the East Antarctic Ice Sheet expanded, the river landscape was frozen in time, preserved beneath layers of ice. The breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent also contributed to the formation of valleys in the landscape.
While the ancient landscape has remained stable for millions of years, researchers believe that climate warming could lead to ice retreat in the region, potentially exposing the hidden river system. This could have significant implications for our understanding of the continent’s past and its future in a changing climate.
As the world focuses on the melting in western Antarctica, this discovery in eastern Antarctica highlights the vast potential for ice loss and sea level rise in the region. The findings emphasize the urgent need for climate action and mitigation efforts to prevent further environmental damage.
