on June 11, 2022 at 2:53 p.m.
June 11, 2022 at 2:45 PM
Researchers have discovered the existence of a real world hidden under the ice of Antarctica. They were studying the consequences of climate change when they came across this parallel world, according to information from Futura Sciences.
Researchers working on the direct consequences of climate change traveled to the Ross Sea in Antarctica. In fact, 98% covered with ice two kilometers thick on average, Antarctica is one of the best places to study the direct consequences of climate change. “We want to understand the mechanics of the Ross Sea and how it might change under different climate scenarios.” says Dr. Denise Fernandez. And during this research, the scientist and her colleagues made an incredible discovery, as we learn. Futura Sciences.
An incredible discovery
While they were visualizing satellite images of the sea ice, a groove in the ice caught their attention. “We suspected it might be an estuary under the ice,” explains Professor Craig Stevens, oceanographer. And he wasn’t wrong. In effect, the existence of a hidden circulation of fresh water and secret rivers under the Antarctic ice caps had long been suspected, but nothing had ever been proven.
To get to the bottom of it, researchers melted the ice 500 meters deep and made an incredible discovery : Hundreds of small amphipods circulated in the river under the ice cap: so there is life! “In a normal experience, seeing any of these things would make you jump for joy. We were inundated with them.There is clearly an important ecosystem process taking place here, which we will do more research on by analyzing water samples to test for nutrients.”enthuses Prof. Stevens.
“Big changes are afoot”
The explanation behind these discoveries is still missing but one thing is certain: “This changes our current understanding and models of these environments. It’s going to take time to understand what this means for melting processes. But what is clear is that big changes are afoot, especially if we don’t work together to change our greenhouse gas emissions“, concluded Prof. Stevens.