Discovering Antarctica: Surprising Landscapes Beneath Ice Shelves
- When scientists examined Antarctica's Dotson Ice Shelf, they discovered an unexpected landscape of peaks and valleys beneath the ice.
- In 2022, the unmanned submersible traveled for 27 days, covering 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) under 350 meters (1,150 feet) of ice.
- Wåhlin explained that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is substantial, and melting could significantly impact sea levels.
Scientists Discover Unique Landscape Under Antarctica’s Ice Shelf
When scientists examined Antarctica’s Dotson Ice Shelf, they discovered an unexpected landscape of peaks and valleys beneath the ice. Anna Wåhlin, a professor at the University of Gothenburg, stated, “We were surprised – we had to double check it was real.” The team used an unmanned submersible to map the underside of the ice shelf, revealing formations likened to the “dark side of the moon.”
In 2022, the unmanned submersible traveled for 27 days, covering 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) under 350 meters (1,150 feet) of ice. The advanced sonar created the first map of this hidden landscape, showcasing the journey of meltwater as it flows beneath the ice. This research enhances our understanding of how the ocean impacts Antarctic ice and, consequently, global sea levels.
Wåhlin explained that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is substantial, and melting could significantly impact sea levels. The researchers aim to predict how these changes could affect cities worldwide. Current estimates indicate that if the Thwaites Glacier melts, sea levels may rise by 65 centimeters (26 inches).
Despite these findings, limited data exists regarding Antarctica’s ice shelves due to challenging access. In 2022, Wåhlin’s team could not reach the Thwaites Ice Shelf but successfully studied the Dotson Ice Shelf instead. The unmanned submersible, named “Ran,” was equipped with commands to operate independently. When “Ran” sank out of sight, the team experienced anxiety about its mission.
Wåhlin described the images returned by “Ran.” She saw a landscape of plateaus and channels, revealing that the ice melts at varying rates. Thicker ice in the east melts slowly, while the thinner western areas show faster current flow and increased melt rates. The team observed unusual teardrop-shaped formations resembling ice cream scoops, up to 300 meters (984 feet) long, indicating significant erosion.
Seals may have interacted with “Ran,” causing it to change course and potentially leading to its loss during continued research in 2024. The team found unexpected patterns on the base of the ice shelf, possibly influenced by water movement and Earth’s rotation. These discoveries raise many questions for future research missions.
Wåhlin hopes to replace “Ran” and continue exploring these intriguing structures. The patterns discovered offer insights into how they might change over time, further illuminating Antarctica’s role in climate change.