Frozen in Time: Ancient Landscape Unearthed Under Antarctic Ice

A hidden landscape larger than Belgium, discovered under layers of thick ice in East Antarctica, could potentially be exposed if the ice caps continue to melt. Recent research has found that the Denman and Scott Glaciers in East Antarctica are experiencing an acceleration of ice melting, which could contribute up to five feet to rising sea levels. The study also revealed the presence of long rivers of freshwater flowing from inside the ice sheets towards the coast due to geothermal heat. This freshwater, when thrown into the ocean, could draw warm ocean water closer to the ice, accelerating the melting process. Scientists warn that the potential melting of this hidden landscape could have dangerous consequences and may lead to underestimating Antarctica's contribution to global sea level rise.