In a bold investigation, a global research group deployed an automated submersible named ‘Ran’ beneath the thick ice covering Antarctica. This venture yielded some surprising discoveries.
The team succeeded in crafting the first detailed maps of the glacier’s underside, offering vital revelations about the risks of future sea level rise.
‘Ran’ was designed to traverse the Dotson ice shelf cavity in West Antarctica, utilizing sophisticated sonar technology to examine the ice. Over a span of 27 days, it traveled more than 1,000 kilometers beneath the glacier, penetrating 17 kilometers into the cavity. Previously, scientists had depended on satellite images and ice core analyses to track glacier changes over time.
Anna Wåhlin, the principal author and Professor of Oceanography at the University of Gothenburg, remarked that “Navigating the submersible into the cavity enabled us to create high-resolution maps of the ice’s underside,” likening it to “witnessing the far side of the moon.”
Understanding the Dotson Ice Shelf
The Dotson Ice Shelf plays an essential role in conversations regarding future sea level fluctuations. Contrary to the common belief that they are merely flat, unchanging ice surfaces, these ice shelves are dynamic and can undergo significant evolution. They are composed of thick glacial ice, supported by land glaciers, and float on the ocean while concealing ice shelf cavities below.
Unveiling the Concealed Terrain
The glacial investigation verified that melting took place more swiftly in regions where vigorous underwater currents were wearing away the ice foundation. However, the underlying landscape was surprisingly rugged, featuring formations akin to peaks, valleys, and plateaus instead of the previously anticipated smooth terrain.
Future Ramifications and New Findings
The researchers suggest that these distinctive features might have been sculpted by flowing water altered by Earth’s rotation. This insight challenges existing scientific understandings of glacier melting processes. The discoveries are prompting new questions regarding the complexities of how glaciers melt in their submerged settings.
Ongoing Exploration
Although the team was only able to conduct one dive before the submersible went missing beneath the ice, they remain optimistic about future explorations. They intend to repeat the survey, eager to document any changes. Wåhlin emphasized that comprehending these processes is crucial, particularly in light of the ongoing climate emergency; every finding aids in refining our predictions about the planet’s future.
This notable research initiative, involving institutions such as the University of East Anglia and the University of Gothenburg, marks a progressive advancement in ice research, underscoring the necessity for continued inquiry in Antarctica.