There are at least 91 volcanic peaks hiding beneath the Antarctic ice, according to a new study published in the Geological Society. The research was carried out over several years and featured the use of ice-penetrating radar in order to reveal the existence of the peak complexes in unprecedented detail. The observation of past volcanic activity in the region could be critical in evaluating the impact that geological activity has on ice sheets and global sea levels, which are already being affected by rising temperatures in the Arctic.

Scientists Discover Massive Volcanic Field Underneath Antarctic Ice

Antarctica, the coldest and driest continent on Earth, may be home to a massive volcanic field that had been hidden beneath its thick ice sheet. According to a recent study conducted by a team of scientists, there are at least 91 volcanoes lying dormant and covered by ice in Antarctica. The findings shed light on the surprising geological activity present in one of the most remote regions of the world.

The Discovery

The discovery of the vast volcanic field was made possible with the help of ice-penetrating radar, which has allowed scientists to scan through the thick layers of ice covering Antarctica. The researchers were able to locate the dormant volcanoes by analyzing the shape and size of the subglacial landscape.

The study was led by volcanologist, Robert Bingham from the University of Edinburgh, who had been intrigued by the presence of a single volcano that was spotted in western Antarctica through satellite imagery. He said that “we were amazed. We had not expected to find anything like that number of volcanoes beneath the ice.”

The researchers hope that this discovery will further our knowledge about the geological processes that have shaped the Antarctic continent. While the volcanoes are currently dormant, scientists are interested in understanding their past activity and how they may influence future ice sheet movements and climate change.

Why is this Discovery Significant?

Antarctica is home to the largest ice sheet on Earth, with ice that is estimated to hold about 90% of the planet’s fresh water. The discovery of a massive volcanic field beneath the ice sheet has important implications for understanding the dynamics of this fragile ecosystem.

According to Eric Rignot, a glaciologist at the University of California, Irvine, “the finding underscores that the ice sheet is not sitting on a passive landscape, but a dynamic one linked to the motion of magma in the Earth’s mantle.” Rignot also noted that the new discoveries will likely help researchers refine estimates of ice loss from West Antarctica, which is currently experiencing accelerating ice loss.

This discovery also highlights the importance of monitoring and studying Antarctica’s ice sheet and the potential impact of geological activity on the surrounding environment.

FAQs

1. Could the volcanic activity cause the ice sheet to melt?

While the volcanoes are currently dormant, they have the potential to cause melting of the ice sheet if they become active. The researchers are keen to understand the past activity of the volcanoes to better predict any future eruptions and their potential impact.

2. What other impact could the volcanoes have?

The volcanic activity could also influence the flow of ice and cause it to move more quickly towards the coast, leading to rising sea levels. This makes it critical to closely monitor the potential influence of the volcanoes on the ice sheet.

3. What steps are being taken to monitor the volcanoes?

Scientists are conducting further research to better understand the activity of the volcanoes and their potential impact on the surrounding environment. This includes using advanced remote sensing and monitoring techniques to track the ice sheet and evaluate any changes in response to the volcanic activity.