Frozen in Time: Ancient Landscape Unearthed Beneath Antarctic Ice

Scientists have discovered an ancient river-formed landscape beneath the East Antarctic ice sheet, providing insights into the long-term stability and response of the ice sheet to climate shifts. Using satellite data and radio-echo sounding techniques, researchers mapped a 32,000 km2 area of land underneath the ice sheet, revealing valleys and ridges that were formed at least 14 million years ago. The existence of this landscape suggests a long-term temperature stability in the area. The findings contribute to understanding the evolution of the ice sheet and its potential response to future warming.