Antarctica’s icy surface hides a complex landscape of mountains and valleys. An international team led by the British Antarctic Survey has released a detailed map of this hidden world. The map, known as Bedmap3, shows the continent “naked” under its ice sheet.
Bedmap3 is the result of a huge effort that compiled over 82 million data points spanning six decades. The data were collected using imaging techniques like radar, gravity measurements, and seismic reflection. Satellites, ships, planes, and even sled dogs were used to gather the data.
The map reveals deep valleys, sharp ridges, and mountain ranges that crisscross the continent beneath the ice. It includes more than double the number of data points than the previous version.
Mapping Antarctica’s hidden terrain
The mapping project also extends into East Antarctica, a region that had been largely uncharted due to its extreme conditions and remoteness. Dr. Hamish Pritchard, a glaciologist at BAS and lead author on the study, says this data is vital for predicting how Antarctica’s ice will respond to global warming.
He compares the process to pouring syrup over a rock cake: the “lumps” and “bumps” in the rock control where the syrup flows and how fast. Similarly, ridges beneath the ice can slow the movement of ice, while hollows and smooth surfaces could lead to faster melting. Bedmap3 shows that Antarctica is not just a blank canvas of ice.
It’s a defined, rugged terrain with geological complexities that play a direct role in shaping global environmental processes. The map is a necessary tool for understanding how this vast polar region may evolve in a warming world. The findings remind us that even in the planet’s most remote and hostile environments, technology and collaboration can unearth astonishing revelations.
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