Scientists detect 85 new subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica
Researchers have identified 85 previously unknown lakes hidden under Antarctica's vast ice sheet, increasing the known total to over 400. The discovery, made using advanced satellite and radar data, highlights the continent's complex subglacial hydrology. These findings could provide insights into ice sheet stability and global sea level rise.
A team of scientists announced the detection of 85 new subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica's ice sheet, a discovery that expands our understanding of the hidden watery world under the continent's frozen surface. The research, detailed in a recent study, utilized data from NASA's Operation IceBridge missions, which combined satellite imagery with airborne radar surveys conducted between 2009 and 2018. These tools allowed researchers to map subtle changes in ice surface elevation, revealing depressions indicative of underlying water bodies.
The newly identified lakes are primarily located in West Antarctica, an area particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures. They vary in size, from small ponds spanning a few square kilometers to larger reservoirs covering up to 100 square kilometers. "These lakes are dynamic features that interact with the overlying ice, potentially influencing its flow and melting patterns," said Dr. Anna Ross, a glaciologist at the British Antarctic Survey and lead author of the study. The total number of documented subglacial lakes now exceeds 400, a significant jump from earlier estimates of around 379.
Subglacial lakes have been a focus of Antarctic research since the 1970s, when the first one, Lake Vostok, was detected beneath 4 kilometers of ice. Unlike surface lakes, these are isolated from the atmosphere and may harbor unique microbial life adapted to extreme conditions. The new findings build on previous work by integrating multi-year datasets to confirm the lakes' existence and stability.
This discovery underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring in Antarctica, where subglacial water can lubricate ice movement, accelerating its flow toward the ocean. Scientists note that while the lakes themselves do not directly contribute to sea level rise, their interactions with the ice sheet could amplify the effects of climate change. The study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in early 2023, emphasizing the need for continued exploration to assess environmental implications.