Ancient Landscape Unearthed Beneath Antarctic Ice: A 34 Million-Year-Old Discovery

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have revealed an ancient landscape buried over a mile beneath the East Antarctic ice, dating back more than 34 million years. This lost world, located in a remote area known as Wilkes Land, comprises ridges, valleys, and the remnants of a lush environment once characterized by rivers and palm trees. The research, conducted by an international team of geologists and climate scientists, highlights the area's significance in understanding Earth's climatic history during a pivotal period of environmental change.

The findings were published in the journal *Nature Geoscience* on June 12, 2025, by a team led by Professor Stewart Jamieson from Durham University. According to Professor Jamieson, "What we find is an ancient land surface that has not been eroded by the ice sheet, and instead it looks like it was created by rivers before the ice came along." This discovery not only sheds light on the geological history of Antarctica but also provides insights into the conditions that led to the continent's current icy state.

The Wilkes Land region, measuring approximately 12,000 square miles, has remained relatively untouched due to the cold and slow-moving nature of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which shifts only about 16 feet per year. This phenomenon, known as a "cold-based" ice sheet, means that the ice is frozen to the ground, preserving the landscape beneath. Neil Ross, a co-author of the study and professor of environmental geophysics at Newcastle University, remarked that the landscape has been "hidden in plain sight for many years" and can reveal much about the early history of the East Antarctic ice sheet.

The researchers utilized satellite data and ice-penetrating radar to uncover the topography beneath the ice. Their findings indicate that the land had drifted southward as part of the supercontinent Gondwana, which began breaking apart millions of years ago. This geological movement contributed to the formation of powerful ocean currents around Antarctica, leading to a significant drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which in turn triggered the continent's freeze.

The study also notes the discovery of deep valleys, some plunging nearly 3,900 feet, which separate three massive elevated blocks of land, each measuring between 120 and 168 kilometers long and up to 85 kilometers wide. These geological features are crucial for understanding the dynamics of ice sheet stability and the continent's response to climatic changes over millions of years.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond pure geology; they offer critical insights into how ancient climates functioned and how contemporary climate change might influence similar systems. As the ice continues to melt due to global warming, understanding the history and mechanisms of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet becomes increasingly urgent. The research team hopes that these findings will prompt further investigations into the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, which hold vital information regarding future sea-level rise.

This research not only enhances our understanding of Antarctica's geological past but also stresses the importance of studying ice sheets in the context of climate change. The preservation of this ancient landscape provides a unique opportunity to study Earth's ecological and climatic history, potentially offering lessons for the future as the planet grapples with ongoing environmental challenges.