Introduction
Antarctica has been found to house a massive underground reservoir of water, according to scientists. While the existence of groundwater beneath the ice has long been suspected, this is the first conclusive evidence of its presence. The discovery was made beneath the Whillans ice stream in West Antarctica, where researchers measured seismic activity and electromagnetic fields. The findings revealed a thick layer of sediments saturated with a combination of fresh glacier water and ancient seawater. This aquifer contains over ten times more water than the shallow pools found between the ice stream and the ground. The connectivity between the deep and shallow water systems implies that the groundwater may play a crucial role in controlling the flow rate of the ice stream, which is essential for predicting the impact of climate change on sea levels.
Data
– Location: Whillans ice stream, West Antarctica
– Methodology: Measurement of seismic activity and electromagnetic fields
– Findings: A kilometer-thick layer of sediments saturated with a mix of fresh glacier water and ancient seawater
– Water Content: Over ten times the volume of the shallow pools beneath the ice stream
– Significance: The groundwater connection can help understand the flow rate of ice streams and predict sea level rise due to climate change.
