2025-06-16T07:32:17Z

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In an astonishing revelation, scientists have uncovered an ancient landscape hidden beneath a massive layer of ice in Antarctica, a region that could have once been vibrant with rivers and forests. This remarkable area, which has been frozen and untouched for over 34 million years, covers approximately 12,000 square miles and is situated in the remote East Antarctic region known as Wilkes Land. Professor Stewart Jamieson, a distinguished geologist from Durham University and the lead author of the groundbreaking study, described this find as akin to "opening a time capsule," offering a glimpse into a world long lost to the icy grip of time.

The journey to this discovery began in 2017 when Jamieson and his research team made initial investigations into the enigmatic Wilkes Land. They utilized advanced satellite data and ice-penetrating radar technology to probe the thick ice covering the landscape. Surprisingly, the data revealed towering ridges and deep valleys indicative of a lush environment that once flourished in this now frigid expanse. It is believed that millions of years ago, Antarctica was not the icy wasteland we know today; instead, it drifted closer to the South Pole, where powerful ocean currents severed its connection to warmer waters, resulting in the formation of massive ice sheets that now dominate the continent.

Interestingly, typical glaciers are known to erode the terrain beneath them as they move, reshaping the land over time. However, the ice in this specific region of East Antarctica is exceptionally cold, causing it to flow at a much slower rate. This unique characteristic significantly reduces erosion, thereby preserving the underlying landscape in remarkable detail, allowing scientists to study features that might have otherwise been lost to time. The research team identified three substantial blocks of elevated land within the area, each measuring between 75 and 105 miles in length and reaching widths of up to 53 miles. These substantial landforms are separated by valleys that can extend up to 25 miles wide and plunge nearly 3,900 feet deep.

Professor Jamieson noted the profound mystery surrounding this buried landscape, emphasizing that the land beneath the East Antarctic ice sheet remains less understood than the surface of Mars. This statement highlights the ongoing challenges researchers face in comprehending the geological and environmental history of our planet, particularly in the context of climate change and its impacts on polar regions. As scientists continue to explore and analyze this ancient landscape, the findings may provide valuable insights into past climate conditions and the evolution of Antarctica as we know it today.