Ancient World Found Under Antarctica:Geologists have found a prehistoric Antarctic landscape that existed for more than 34 million years under the ice sheet of Antarctica which they discovered through their research. The researchers found the site which they described as “a time capsule” which provides them with access to an ancient period when Antarctica looked very different from its present state.
Ancient World Found Under Antarctica
Scientists have discovered a massive network of ancient valleys and ridges and river-carved surfaces beneath two kilometers of solid ice which covers East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land area.
The concealed area which matches Wales in size remains completely undisturbed because its ice cover exists at extremely low temperatures while its movement occurs at very slow rates. The ancient grounds have remained unchanged for millions of years because this slow-moving ice acts as a protective layer which prevents all alterations to the surface below.
Scientists have found that the current features showcase evidence of past river activities which created deep channels throughout the area showing that water existed here together with possible flourishing plant life before the region became covered with ice.
Advanced Technology Unlocks Hidden History
Researchers discovered the groundbreaking research which originates from outer space because they used both drilling and digging methods.
Researchers led by Professor Stewart Jamieson of Britain’s Durham University used RADARSAT satellite data and ice-penetrating radar technology to detect subtle variations on the surface of Antarctica’s ice. “It’s difficult to say exactly what this ancient landscape looked like, but depending on how far back you go, the climate might have resembled modern-day Patagonia, or even something tropical.”
The team identified three massive blocks of elevated land, each between 75 and 105 miles long, with deep valleys nearly 25 miles wide and almost 3,900 feet deep cutting between them. The scientists used radar reflections to create maps of hidden features which had remained concealed for millions of years because they displayed ancient topography.
The team discovered a rare scientific discovery which Jamieson described as a time capsule.”This type of finding helps us understand how climate and geography intertwine, and what we can expect in a world with rising temperatures,” said Jamieson.
NASA satellite maps Antarctica ice sheets, sea ice, forests
What This Tells Us About Ancient Antarctica?
Although the interior of Antarctica is now one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, this research confirms that the continent was once dramatically different. “The geological history of Antarctica records significant fluctuations,” explained Jamieson.
“But such abrupt changes gave the ice little time to significantly alter the landscape beneath.” Geological and fossil evidence from other studies shows that Antarctica harbored rivers, forests, and a warm, temperate environment long ago, part of the supercontinent Gondwana before the climate tipped toward freezing.
