Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Antarctica, revealing the existence of ancient mountains buried beneath miles of ice. The Transantarctic Mountains, which stretch 3,500 km across the continent, were once thought to be a stable and unchanging feature of the landscape.
However, a new study published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters has shed light on the dynamic geological history of this region. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the University of Colorado Boulder found that the Transantarctic Mountains have undergone repeated cycles of mountain formation, uplift, and erosion over hundreds of millions of years.
These events are connected to major shifts in Earth’s tectonic plates and even periods of past glaciation. The study’s findings suggest that the continent’s topography has undergone significant changes over geological time, shaped by forces of uplift, erosion, and ancient glaciations.
The discovery provides insights into the ancient tectonic history of Antarctica and how continents evolve over vast geological timescales. It also highlights the importance of studying the geological past to understand the development of modern landscapes.
The study’s authors believe that this new understanding will help researchers better comprehend the complex processes that shape our planet. As they continue to uncover the secrets of the Earth’s surface, scientists are one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of our dynamic and ever-changing world.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/science/lost-mountains-hidden-antarctic-peaks-identified