Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet after drilling over 500 meters into the ice. The expedition uncovered a subglacial river that has been flowing for thousands of years, containing both freshwater and seawater. The river’s presence was revealed using camera footage, showing lobster-like creatures approximately 400 kilometers from the open ocean.
The discovery highlights concerns about surges in the river, which occur every 10 years, caused by nearby lakes emptying into it. These events accelerate melt, carve out channels, and transport nutrients that sustain hidden ecosystems. As a result, the Ross Ice Shelf’s contribution to regulating sea levels is reduced, leading to faster sea-level rise.
This finding has significant implications for understanding the behavior of hidden systems and preparing for their consequences. Rising sea levels not only exacerbate coastal flooding but also impact food systems and disease transmission. The discovery underscores the need for continued research into climate change effects and its far-reaching impacts on our planet.
Source: https://en.as.com/latest_news/they-drilled-more-than-500-meters-into-the-antarctic-ice-and-what-they-saw-down-there-shouldnt-exist-n