Is there a hidden world under the ice in Antarctica?

It was during this climate-driven research that the team of New Zealand scientists, while drilling through the ice and into the river beneath the ice cap, discovered a “hidden world” right under their feet: their camera lens was suddenly crowded with amphipods, small marine crustaceans that resemble shrimp.

Is there Earth under the ice in Antarctica?

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is on top of a huge land mass, whereas the Arctic is frozen sea ice. Many of us know Antarctica as a land of ice and not much else. But hidden beneath the miles of glaciers and ice sheets lies a landmass that was last exposed 40 million years ago.

What is hidden under the ice of Antarctica?

Moving inland, Antarctica's frozen wasteland conceals a hidden kingdom of hundreds of subglacial lakes and rivers, teaming with life. In 2014, Lake Whillans, the third largest lake on the continent, which lies 2600 feet beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, was shown to contain nearly 4,000 different microbial species.

Have scientists found something under Antarctica?

Researchers say they've discovered a living world beneath the ice in Antarctica that may span 5 million square kilometers. BGR.com reports that for years, scientists have studied algae that is present in the summer in Antarctica, thinking that was the only time it emerged.

What did NASA find under Antarctica?

Scientists using NASA's Earth observing system find evidence of phytoplankton blooms hidden beneath Antarctic sea ice. Until now, researchers believed the packed sea ice of the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean) blocked all light from reaching the sea beneath.

Discovery of 'hidden world' under Antarctic ice

Why haven't humans explored Antarctica?

The harsh conditions, freezing temperatures and barren landscapes make Antarctica inhospitable to humans. The frozen continent is about 1.5 times the size of the United States and 99 percent is covered in ice, making up 90 percent of all the ice on Earth.

What was found in Antarctica recently?

Scientists say they've found a space rock for the ages in Antarctica — an extremely rare meteorite that contains some of the oldest material in the solar system.

Has Antarctica been 100% explored?

In 1911, a Norwegian team led by explorer Roald Amundsen first reached the South Pole. Since then, there have been thousands of expeditions across the continent, for adventure as well as science. However, due to the challenging terrain and extreme temperatures, many areas of Antarctica have not yet been fully explored.

Have any bodies been found in Antarctica?

At Livingston Island, among the South Shetlands off the Antarctic Peninsula, a human skull and femur have been lying near the shore for 175 years. They are the oldest human remains ever found in Antarctica.

Why can't you fly over Antarctica?

There are very few cases of airplanes flying over Antarctica. The rough weather conditions and low visibility make it extremely difficult to fly and land a plane over the continent.

What is the big hole in Antarctica?

Winter ice on the surface of Antarctica's Weddell Sea sometimes has an enormous hole called a polynya.

Why are there no pictures of Antarctica from space?

Because of the location of Antarctica and because the rest of the year there isn't enough sunlight at the poles for the satellites to see the land, images can only be taken from December through March, the summer season.

Is there any actual land in Antarctica?

Antarctic mountains

The Antarctic continent lies on a large landmass. Underneath that smooth ice sheet there are mountains and valleys.

What did Antarctica look like before ice?

Antarctica hasn't always been a continent covered in thick ice. In fact, millions of years ago it resembled similar to a tropical forest with huge trees, and lots of diverse wildlife.

Is there any exposed land in Antarctica?

In Antarctica there are, in addition to mountaintops and nunataks, other natural snow- and ice-free areas often referred to as "Antarctic oases" or "dry valleys". These areas are surrounded by the Antarctic ice sheet or, in coastal areas, are situated between the ice sheet and the Antarctic ice shelves.

What is the most feared predator in Antarctica?

Leopard seals and orcas are the most dangerous animals to inhabit Antarctica. Pods of orcas can take on prey as large as great white sharks and blue whales.

What is the biggest predator in Antarctica?

Leopard seals (named as such for their characteristic spotted coats), are one of the primary predators in Antarctica. In the wild they can survive up to 15 years, and are considered the most fearsome of all seal species.

What is the strange iceberg in Antarctica?

Tabular icebergs are wide and flat, and long, like sheet cake, Brunt said. They split from the edges of ice shelves — large blocks of ice, connected to land but floating in the water surrounding iced-over places like Antarctica. This one came from the crumbling Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula.

How far into Antarctica have people gone?

The professional endurance athlete traveled 932 miles across the continent in 54 days, beating friend British army Capt. Louis Rudd by only two days. With only 77.54 miles remaining of the 921-mile journey across Antarctica, O'Brady plunged ahead in one final sleepless, 32-hour trek on the 53rd day of his excursion.

Who owns Antarctica?

Seven countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom) maintain territorial claims in Antarctica, but the United States and most other countries do not recognize those claims.

Is there any Electricity in Antarctica?

15/ Does Antarctica have electricity? Yes it does. Usually provided by diesel powered generators at each base, but increasingly stations are installing wind turbines to generate supplementary electricity.

What lived on Antarctica before it froze?

Earth's southernmost continent boasted an abundance of plant and animal life before becoming a frozen wasteland, with numerous dinosaurs previously identified along with flora including conifers, ferns and flowering plants.

What is a rare find in Antarctica?

A team of researchers went searching for meteorites there and discovered a rare prize: a jumbo meteorite weighing in an 16.7 pounds (7.6 kilograms). The meteorite hunters were thrilled with the discovery of a hefty space rock in Antarctica. White helmet: Maria Schönbächler.

Can you go to Antarctica legally?

Travelers do not need permission to go to Antarctica, but tourism operators must hold a valid permit. First, a bit of background on why it is legal to visit Antarctica. Antarctica is not a country. The continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves it for peaceful and scientific use.