Under the Ice
Much of Antarctica's wildlife lives beneath the surface of the ice. Learn about these amazing ecosystems below!
Continuing...
Lake Vostok
Lake Vostok and other subglacial lakes have been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. This isolation means that any life forms found there may be unique and unlike anything we've seen before. Studying these life forms can provide clues about how life might exist on other icy planets or moons. The extreme conditions in these lakes, such as high pressure and cold temperatures, mimic environments we might find elsewhere in the solar system.
Ice Sheets
The ice sheets covering Antarctica are always moving, though very slowly. Scientists study this ice flow to understand how it affects the rock and water below. This movement is important because it impacts global sea levels and climate patterns. As the ice moves, it shapes the landscape beneath it, creating new subglacial features.
Geothermal
Geothermal heat from the Earth's interior also influences what happens under the ice. This heat melts some of the ice at the base, creating a layer of water that helps the ice to move. This process forms subglacial rivers and lakes. Understanding geothermal activity is crucial for predicting how the ice sheets might change in the future.
Start Here
Beneath Antarctica's thick ice sheets, a hidden world of lakes, rivers, and mountains exists. These features have been discovered using radar mapping and ice-penetrating technology. One of the most well-known subglacial lakes is Lake Vostok, which lies over 3.7 kilometers beneath the surface. This hidden landscape is a major focus for scientists exploring the mysteries of the continent.
The End
Ice cores drilled from Antarctica's ice sheets contain ancient air bubbles, which hold records of past climates. By studying these ice cores, scientists can learn about Earth's atmospheric history, including temperature changes and volcanic activity. This information helps us understand past climate patterns and predict future climate changes. These ancient records are essential for our understanding of global climate dynamics.