Scientists have created a new, high-resolution map of Antarctica’s landscape hidden beneath its ice, providing unprecedented detail on the continent’s bedrock and ice thickness. The Bedmap3 project incorporates over 60 years’ worth of data from satellites, ships, and even dog-drawn sleds to build a detailed picture of the frozen continent.
The map reveals that some areas, like an unnamed canyon in Wilkes Land, have thicker ice than previously thought, with an estimated thickness of almost 4.8 miles. The findings suggest that Antarctica’s ice sheet is more vulnerable to melting due to its unique topography and geological features.
According to glaciologist Hamish Pritchard, the new map will help researchers predict how Antarctica might evolve in a fast-warming climate. “Imagine pouring syrup over a rock cake – all the lumps and bumps will determine where the syrup goes and how fast,” he said. The team used radar, seismic, and gravity measurements to map the bedrock and estimate ice thickness.
The new map provides detailed insights into understudied areas around the South Pole, highlighting the continent’s tallest mountains and deepest valleys. Researchers warn that relatively warm seawater can flood into the ice sheet, making it more susceptible to melting.
This breakthrough study published in the journal Scientific Data sheds light on Antarctica’s complex geology and raises concerns about the impact of climate change on this frozen continent.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/antarctica/scientists-create-new-map-showing-ice-free-antarctica-in-more-detail-than-ever-before