A Secret World Revealed After 34 Million Years

In a stunning revelation, scientists have uncovered an ancient world that has lain hidden beneath a mile of ice in Antarctica for over 34 million years. Utilizing cutting-edge satellite data and ice-penetrating radar, they discovered what was once a thriving landscape, complete with rivers and lush forests, now crushed under a thick layer of ice.

Unveiling a Hidden Landscape

The remarkable find, located in Wilkes Land—a remote region of East Antarctica—covers an astounding area of over 12,000 square miles. Stewart Jamieson, the lead author of the groundbreaking study from Durham University, likened this discovery to "uncovering a time capsule," noting that this ancient terrain is less understood than the surface of Mars.

Stunning Features of the Ancient Earth

The excavated landscape features majestic ridges and deep valleys, with the research identifying three prominent blocks of higher ground stretching between 75 to 105 miles long and up to 53 miles wide. Between these elevated terrains lie valleys that plunge nearly 3,900 feet deep and extend up to 25 miles wide.

Ice That Preserved History

Unlike many glaciers that erode the ground beneath them, this particular ice sheet in East Antarctica is categorized as "cold-based." This means that it remains frozen to the ground and moves at a snail's pace—less than 16 feet per year—resulting in minimal erosion. As a result, the ancient landscape remains remarkably intact.

A Window into the Past

Professor Jamieson emphasized, "What we find is an ancient land surface that has not been eroded by the ice sheet, and instead it appears to have been shaped by rivers long before the ice arrived." This hidden terrain not only tells an incredible story of the past but also provides vital insights into the evolution of the East Antarctic ice sheet.

The Context of Change

Around 180 million years ago, Antarctica was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. As this landmass fragmented, Antarctica drifted toward its polar position, eventually separating from South America and Australia. This shift gave rise to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, leading to the continent's isolation and significant cooling, giving birth to the massive ice sheets enveloping it today.

Implications for Climate Change

Even during warmer periods, such as the mid-Pliocene around 3 million years ago, this previously hidden region remained frozen. With these discoveries, scientists are hopeful that they can better predict how Antarctica will react in the face of ongoing climate change, shedding light on the future of this enigmatic continent.

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Stay tuned for more astonishing discoveries as scientists continue to unravel the secrets of our planet!