As they studied the mechanisms that govern Antarctica, researchers have decided to explore the underside of this continent of ice… And they were able to discover a real hidden world!
98% covered with ice two kilometers thick on average, Antarctica is one of the best places to study the direct consequences of climate change. It is for this purpose that scientists have gone there, more particularly in the sea of Ross. “We want to understand the mechanics of the Ross Sea and how it might change under different climate scenarios”explains Dr. Denise Fernandez, who studies the interactions between the ocean, the ice and theatmosphere.
But while viewing satellite images of the pack icea groove in the ice caught their attention: “we suspected that it could be an estuary under the ice”, said Prof. Craig Stevens, oceanographer. Indeed, the existence of a hidden circulation of fresh water and secret rivers under the ice caps Antarctica had long been suspected, but had never been proven. The researchers then decided to dig this crack, melting nearly 500 meters of ice deep. And there…surprise!
The researchers discovered a whole ecosystem. © NIWA, Craig Stevens
A whole ecosystem hidden under the ice
Hundreds of small amphipods were circulating in the river under the ice cap : “In a normal experience, seeing one of these things would make you jump for joy. We were inundated with itenthuses Prof. Stevens. There is clearly an important ecosystem process taking place here, which we will do more research on by analyzing water samples to test nutrients. » In addition to the discovery of these small organizationsthe team observed that “the water tube of melting wasn’t as nice and smooth as expected – it had a weird structure and was quite narrow, with a lot of undulations”.
Strange reliefs pave the walls of the underground river. © NIWA, Craig Stevens
The explanation behind these discoveries is still missing, but one thing is certain: “It changes our current understanding and models of these environments. It will take time to understand what this means for the melting processes. But what is clear is that big changes are afoot – all the more so if we don’t work together to change our emissions of greenhouse gas », concluded Prof. Stevens.
The tunnel dug in the ice. © NIWA, Craig Stevens
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