Antarctica is often thought of as a barren and flat continent, but beneath its icy surface lies a hidden mountain range. The Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, discovered in 1958, are comparable in scale to the European Alps. Researchers have now shed light on how these massive underground mountains came into existence.
Unlike typical mountain ranges formed by colliding tectonic plates, the Gamburtsev Mountains’ origins remain a mystery. However, new research published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters suggests they emerged over 500 million years ago as part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. This ancient landmass comprised Africa, South America, Australia, India, and Antarctica.
Unlike other mountain ranges that erode or change shape over time, the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains have remained largely intact due to being buried beneath a thick layer of ice. As a result, they are considered one of the best-preserved ancient mountain belts on Earth.
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c8jg27w2rpxo