A massive iceberg roughly the size of Chicago broke off from an Antarctic glacier in January, revealing a previously hidden ecosystem. A team of international researchers used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the site and discovered a diverse array of life forms, including anemones, hydroids, corals, and sponges.
These species had never been observed by humans before and have likely thrived in this unique environment for centuries. The ecosystem is characterized by complete darkness and a lack of rainfall, relying instead on ocean currents for nutrients. Some species, such as sponges, may only grow a few centimeters per year due to their slow growth rate.
The discovery highlights that even in seemingly inhospitable environments, life can find a way to survive and thrive. The finding suggests that researchers previously considered these areas unexplored can, under the right conditions, support complex ecosystems. This chance discovery was made possible when research vessels were diverted to explore the newly exposed area after the iceberg broke off from an ice shelf in the George VI region of Antarctica.
Source: https://www.vice.com/en/article/new-ecosystem-discovered-after-city-sized-chunk-of-antarctica-broke-off