Scientists discover humanity’s last defense in Antarctica buried 2 miles beneath Antarctica’s ice

Just when we think we’ve mapped and measured every corner of Earth, nature reminds us how little we truly know.

A team of British scientists has uncovered something extraordinary — a colossal, ancient river landscape buried more than two miles beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Stretching over 2,100 miles, this prehistoric system has remained untouched for tens of millions of years, hidden deep beneath two miles of polar ice.

The discovery was made thanks to a radar system mounted on a small Twin Otter aircraft operated by the British Antarctic Survey. Flying over the frozen expanse, the radar detected an immense subglacial landscape shaped by rivers that once flowed freely — back when Antarctica wasn’t the icy desert it is today.

What lies beneath Antarctica’s ice? A lost world frozen in time

To understand how this vast river system ended up buried under ice, scientists looked back around 80 million years — to a time when Antarctica and Australia were still connected and teeming with flowing rivers and thriving ecosystems.

But around 34 million years ago, Earth’s climate shifted. A deep freeze swept over the region, locking the landscape in ice. Since then, it has remained preserved like a snapshot from the past — shielded from wind, rain, and erosion.

What the researchers found is essentially a time capsule: a fossilized river basin, undisturbed for tens of millions of years. A buried world that offers a glimpse into Earth’s climatic history and possibly, its future.

Nature’s hidden defense against climate disaster

This isn’t just a geological curiosity — this frozen riverbed may be playing a crucial role in stabilizing Antarctica’s vast ice sheet.

Beneath the surface, these ancient river systems act like massive anti-slip mats, slowing the flow of glaciers above them. By altering how the ice moves, these buried valleys help delay the melting of the Antarctic sheet — Earth’s last great natural buffer against rising sea levels.

And the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the East Antarctic Ice Sheet were to melt completely, global sea levels could surge by an astonishing 170 feet — a scenario that would drown coastal cities across the world and trigger a humanitarian crisis on an unimaginable scale.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.