A new map has unmasked the landscape beneath Antarctica's ice in unprecedented detail, something scientists say could greatly enhance our understanding of the frozen white continent.
Researchers used satellite data and the physics of how Antarctica's glaciers move to work out what the continent might look like beneath the ice. They found evidence of thousands of previously undiscovered hills and ridges, and say their maps of some of Antarctica's hidden mountain ranges are clearer than ever before.
While the maps are subject to uncertainties, the researchers believe the new details could shed light on how Antarctica will respond to climate change - and what that means for sea-level rise.
It's like before you had a grainy pixel film camera, and now you've got a properly zoomed-in digital image of what's really going on, said lead author Dr Helen Ockenden.
Traditional measurements have relied on radar to see beneath the ice, often leaving vast gaps in understanding. Using a combination of new satellite techniques and physics has allowed the researchers to achieve a comprehensive depiction of Antarctica's underbelly.
The new map not only highlights major mountain ranges but also reveals tens of thousands of previously uncharted features, crucial for predicting how these landscapes will influence glacial movement as the climate continues to warm.
With climate change posing significant risks to global sea levels, this mapping endeavor marks a significant advancement in the understanding of Antarctic geography and its implications.
