Deep beneath the ice in Antarctica, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of mysterious structures up to 1,300 feet long. These never-before-seen shapes were found under the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, a massive 30-mile-wide ice chunk that is seven times the size of New York City.
The West Antarctic ice sheet, home to glaciers undergoing rapid calving, could potentially raise sea levels by 11 feet if the entire ice sheet collapses. Recent studies have shown that warm ocean water is eroding the ice shelf's edges, leading to its inevitable dislocation from the land.
A recent survey using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) revealed that the glacier's base is not smooth as previously thought but consists of a network of peaks and valleys. Surprisingly, teardrop-shaped features resembling sand dunes, hundreds of feet long, were also discovered.
Scientists believe these structures are formed by water movement across the glacier's underside, influenced by the Earth's rotation and the Coriolis force. The force creates a spiral flow pattern known as an Ekman spiral, causing the asymmetrical shapes observed.
Despite the disappearance of the ROV during a follow-up survey in January 2024, researchers are determined to continue exploring these enigmatic ice formations. Understanding the melting processes beneath Antarctica's ice is crucial for predicting future sea level rise and comprehending Earth's climate system.
