Scientists reveal detailed Antarctic bedrock map, Bedmap3

Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have been exploring the bedrock beneath Antarctica's thick ice. They used radar, sound waves, and gravity mapping techniques to reveal a hidden landscape that was once lush and full of life. The team, led by glaciologist Hamish Pritchard, published their findings in a recent paper. They created the most detailed map of Antarctica to date, uncovering features like mountain ranges and ancient riverbeds. This information is vital for understanding how ice moves across the continent as temperatures rise due to climate change. Pritchard likens the flow of ice to syrup on a rock cake. He explains that the landscape beneath determines how and where the ice flows. This visual helps scientists model future ice movement in a warming climate. The new mapping effort, called Bedmap3, combines data from various sources, including planes and satellites. It includes over 82 million data points, helping to fill gaps in previous surveys. The updated map reveals new insights about the thickness and distribution of ice across Antarctica. Scientists estimate that Antarctica's ice holds about 27.17 million cubic kilometers of water. If all that ice were to melt, it could raise sea levels by 58 meters. This latest study suggests that Antarctica’s ice sheet might be thicker and more vulnerable to melting than previously believed, making it critical to monitor the effects of warming ocean water.