For decades, scientists have been fascinated by the icy surface of Antarctica, wondering what lies beneath. A new map, Bedmap3, offers a more detailed view than ever before, revealing insights into the continent’s highest mountains, deepest canyons, and underlying bedrock structure.
The British Antarctic Survey led this remarkable project, combining data from satellites, aircraft, ships, and even dog-drawn sleds to create an incredibly precise model of the bedrock. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Data, will help researchers understand how Antarctica’s ice might shift in response to climate change.
One of the most striking revelations is the location of the thickest ice, which reaches 4,757 meters (about 16,000 feet) thick – more than 15 times the height of the Shard, the tallest skyscraper in the UK. Understanding the shape and structure of Antarctica’s bedrock is crucial for predicting how ice will move as global temperatures rise.
The map reveals that some areas of high ground can slow down the ice, while lower, smoother areas may allow it to slide more quickly. If temperatures continue to rise, this map will help scientists determine which parts of the ice sheet are most vulnerable to melting.
With Bedmap3 providing an unprecedented level of detail, scientists now have a critical tool for studying the future of Antarctica’s ice. The study refines climate models, predicts potential sea-level rise, and monitors the impact of warming ocean waters. As new technology improves and more data becomes available, future versions of Bedmap may further refine our understanding of Antarctica’s hidden landscape.
The total ice volume in Antarctica is now estimated at 27.17 million cubic kilometers (6.52 million cubic miles), with an average thickness of 1,948 meters (6,391 feet). If all of Antarctica’s ice were to melt, it could raise global sea levels by approximately 58 meters – a scenario that scientists are particularly concerned about due to rising temperatures.
The discovery that more ice is grounded below sea level is alarming. Ice sitting on land above sea level is relatively stable, but ice resting on a submerged bed is more prone to melting as warm ocean water moves underneath.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/what-lies-beneath-16000-feet-of-antarctic-ice-a-world-never-before-seen-by-humans