A massive iceberg, the size of Chicago, broke off from an Antarctic ice shelf on January 13, revealing a thriving underwater ecosystem. The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor oceanographic research vessel team observed the seafloor for eight days using a remotely operated vehicle named SuBastian, and found a “beautiful, thriving ecosystem” beneath the 209 square mile ice cover.
Researchers discovered large corals and sponges supporting a plethora of marine life, including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopuses. Several previously undiscovered species are likely among them. The communities have likely lived in that spot for decades or even hundreds of years, according to biologist Patricia Esquete.
The newly exposed seafloor allowed the team to gather critical data about the past behavior of the larger Antarctic ice sheet. Autonomous underwater vehicles called gliders were also deployed to study the impacts of glacial meltwater on the physical and chemical properties of the region. Preliminary data shows a strong meltwater flow from the George IV Ice Shelf.
The discovery highlights the importance of exploring and understanding the undersea ecosystems in Antarctica, especially given the rapid changes caused by global warming. The team’s findings will provide longer-term context for these recent changes and improve projections of future change, informing actionable policies to address sea level rise.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/antarctic-iceberg-size-chicago-breaks-off-reveals-thriving/story?id=120330630