A study published in Nature Communications reveals that hidden beneath Antarctica’s vast ice, researchers have discovered 85 new subglacial lakes using data from the European Space Agency’s Cryosat satellite, increasing the known active glacial lakes by over half. This research sheds light on how these lakes, which fill and drain cyclically, influence glacier movement and stability, potentially impacting global sea level rise.
The study identified new drainage routes and five interconnected lake networks, providing critical insights into the dynamics of Antarctic ice structures. Sally Wilson, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized the challenges of observing these lakes due to their deep ice cover, but highlighted the vital role satellites play in monitoring these changes.
Antarctic subglacial meltwater forms from geothermal heat and reduces friction, thereby allowing ice to flow into the ocean more rapidly. The findings suggest that subglacial hydrology plays a significant role in ice sheet dynamics, a factor often missing in climate models. Researchers stress the importance of additional monitoring to enhance the understanding of how these lakes affect ice dynamics and contribute to sea level changes.
