Additional Coverage:
- Scientists find 34-million-year-old lost world buried under 2 kilometers of Antarctic ice (themirror.com)
Scientists have uncovered evidence of a surprisingly lush past beneath Antarctica’s current icy facade. A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the now-frozen continent was once home to rivers, forests, and a diverse ecosystem between 14 and 34 million years ago. This discovery comes as scientists warn of the potential impact of climate change and rising sea levels due to melting ice sheets, with 2024 marking the hottest year on record.
The ancient landscape, hidden beneath the ice in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region (an area comparable in size to Maryland or Belgium), was revealed using satellite data and ice-penetrating radar. The radar data revealed a terrain carved by ancient rivers, complete with valleys and ridges.
One researcher speculated about the landscape prior to the ice age, suggesting the climate could have ranged from something similar to present-day Patagonia to a more tropical environment. The discovery of ancient palm tree pollen near the study site further supports the theory of a much warmer Antarctic climate.
While the specific wildlife that inhabited this prehistoric landscape remains a mystery due to limited fossil records, researchers believe the area would have been teeming with life. Further research, including drilling beneath the surface, similar to studies conducted in Greenland, is planned to uncover more details about this lost world.
Antarctica was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent, alongside landmasses that now form South America, Australia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Arabian Peninsula. Scientists believe Antarctica’s terrain may have resembled these regions before the continent’s dramatic shift to a frigid climate. As temperatures cooled, a massive ice sheet grew, covering the entire continent and preserving the underlying landscape for millions of years.