Scientists have created the most detailed map of Antarctica’s bedrock, revealing hidden mountains, valleys, and canyons beneath miles of ice. The breakthrough map, known as Bedmap3, uses six decades of data from satellites, radar, and seismic instruments to provide a clearer picture of the continent’s terrain.
The new map shows that nearly 3 miles-deep canyon in Wilkes Land holds the thickest ice in Antarctica, surpassing previous estimates. This discovery suggests that much of the continent’s ice is actually below sea level, making it more susceptible to melting due to warmer ocean water.
The study also reveals that Antarctica’s buried landscapes, including towering peaks and deep valleys, can affect how ice moves and melts as the climate changes. By understanding these bedrock features, scientists can better predict how Antarctic glaciers will respond to rising temperatures.
The map provides new insights into the South Pole region, one of the least explored parts of the planet. It also sheds light on how Antarctica’s ice shelves might impact global sea levels. With this clearer picture, scientists now believe that Antarctica may be more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/supernova-graveyard-scientists-find-deep-sea-traces-of-ancient-stellar-deaths-2-218580-21-03-2025