More than 1,500 feet beneath the ice of Antarctica, scientists made an astounding discovery: a group of creatures surprisingly similar to lobsters.
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
More than 1,500 feet beneath the ice of Antarctica, scientists made an astounding discovery: a group of creatures surprisingly similar to lobsters.
Scientists have discovered a slow-flowing river of water that has been hidden for thousands of years. The discovery sheds new light on the melting ice in Antarctica and could have major consequences for the future of coastal towns. The level of the river rises about once a decade when the neighbouring lakes drain into it, as if into an immense underground plumbing system. These thrusts could cut channels in the ice, accelerate melting and displace nutrients that support hidden ecosystems. Even if we can’t stop sub-glacial rivers, we can take action to reduce pollution and modernise our homes and neighbourhoods. In France, installing solar panels combined with a battery storage system can power your home even during power cuts and reduce your energy bills.
What happened?
During a recent expedition, researchers drilled more than 487 metres into the West Antarctic ice cap and discovered a sub-glacial river flowing beneath the Ross Ice Shelf, earth.com released.
The river, as high as a 30-storey building and as wide as a city block, is a mixture of freshwater and seawater, slowly making its way towards the ocean.
“We found water at the end of the borehole and, with the help of our camera, we even discovered a shoal of lobster-like creatures 400 kilometres from the ocean”, said expedition leader Huw Horgan.
Why is this discovery important?
Think of the Ross Ice Shelf as a giant bottle cork: it holds back the inland ice and helps keep sea levels under control.
The research team estimates that the level of the river rises about once a decade when the neighbouring lakes drain into it, as if into an immense underground plumbing system.
These thrusts could cut channels in the ice, accelerate melting and displace nutrients that support hidden ecosystems. But when rivers like this one thin this platform from below, it becomes easier for the land ice to slide into the ocean, accelerating the rise in sea level.
Although extreme weather events have always occurred, man-made pollution is now amplifying them, making storms, floods and droughts more destructive. Understanding how these hidden systems work helps us to be better prepared for what lies ahead and to make smarter decisions today.
What can I do to help?
Even if we can’t stop sub-glacial rivers, we can take action to reduce pollution and modernise our homes and neighbourhoods.
In France, installing solar panels combined with a battery storage system can power your home even during power cuts and reduce your energy bills. What’s more, you can benefit from subsidies such as the MaPrimeRénov’ scheme, energy saving certificates (CEE) and reduced VAT rates for this work.
Even if we can’t stop sub-glacial rivers, we can take action to reduce pollution and modernise our homes and neighbourhoods.
In France, installing solar panels combined with a battery storage system can power your home even during power cuts and reduce your energy bills. What’s more, you can benefit from subsidies such as the MaPrimeRénov’ scheme, energy saving certificates (CEE) and reduced VAT rates for this work.
Some experts are also warning of a possible increase in the spread of disease, as rising water levels alter the dynamics of pathogens in our regions.
To make your projects easier, several French online platforms allow you to compare quotes from approved installers of renewable energy and energy renovation, with savings of up to several thousand euros.
French local authorities are also investing in improved early warning systems, flood protection infrastructure (dykes, retention basins), as well as aid for heat pumps and thermal insulation for buildings.
Finally, as an individual, you can reduce your impact by avoiding single-use plastics, favouring clean modes of transport (cycling, public transport, electric vehicles), and adopting energy-efficient improvements that benefit both your budget and your comfort.