Unveiling Antarctica’s Frozen Time Capsule: Discover the Lost Ancient World Beneath the Ice!

A hidden world has been found beneath over a mile of ice in East Antarctica, a place that remained untouched for over 34 million years. This ancient landscape, known as Wilkes Land, is roughly the size of Belgium and lies deep inland.

Scientists used satellite data and ice-penetrating radar to unveil this long-sealed environment, once filled with rivers and perhaps even palm trees. Pollen from palm trees found along the nearby coast supports the idea of a lush, green past.

They estimate this hidden area spans over 12,000 square miles, similar to Maryland. Professor Stewart Jamieson from Durham University called it "like uncovering a time capsule." Once, Antarctica drifted toward the South Pole, forming powerful ocean currents that isolated it from warmer waters. Over time, lower carbon dioxide levels cooled the planet and helped create massive ice sheets, turning Antarctica into the frigid desert we see today.

Interestingly, researchers discovered dramatic features like towering ridges and deep valleys preserved under ice. They identified three large blocks of land, each measuring up to 105 miles long and 53 miles wide, separated by valleys that can drop nearly 3,900 feet deep. Unlike glaciers that actively erode the ground, the ice in this region moves slowly—less than 16 feet a year—helping to keep the landscape intact.

Neil Ross, an environmental geophysicist at Newcastle University, highlighted that this frozen terrain could help us understand how the East Antarctic ice sheet evolved and how it might respond to climate change. His research group used satellite imagery and computer models to trace changes in the landscape over time.

The buried terrain serves as a rare glimpse into Antarctica’s history before it became ice-covered. Professor Jamieson noted that the land had not been eroded but formed by ancient rivers. During its heyday, this area likely thrived in a warmer climate, supporting flowing rivers and dense forests.

As the supercontinent Gondwana broke apart, shifting landmasses created deep cracks, leading to the distinct blocks visible today. Over millions of years, glaciers further altered the landscape into U-shaped valleys. By around 14 million years ago, the expanding East Antarctic Ice Sheet fully enveloped this region in ice.

Even during warmer periods, like the mid-Pliocene, the area remained frozen. This makes the discovery increasingly important as CO2 levels and global temperatures rise again. If climate change leads to ice sheet retreat, uncovering this ancient landscape may become feasible.

Ongoing research aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of how this landscape and its ice have changed over time. As we face potential changes to our climate, the insights gained from this hidden land could be vital for understanding our planet’s future.

For more insights on Antarctica’s shifting climate and its implications, check out the full study here.

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