There are massive cave systems deep under the ice in Antarctica. These caves have moderate temperatures and are fertile grounds for life. Antarctica caves conceal life, a secret world of animals and plants. This includes many unknown species.
The caves, hollowed out by steam from active volcanoes, are light and could reach temperatures of 77 Fahrenheit, researchers said, raising the possibility of a whole ecosystem of flora and fauna deep beneath the frozen surface. Some of the caves are the size of several football fields. A study led by the Australian National University around Mount Erebus, an active volcano on Ross Island in Antarctica, showed extensive cave systems.
Lead researcher Ceridwen Fraser said forensic analyses of soil samples from the caves had revealed intriguing traces of DNA from algae, mosses, and small animals. While most of the DNA was like mosses, algae and invertebrates found elsewhere in Antarctica, not all sequences could be fully identified.
Despite the freezing temperatures, emanating heat from the volcanoes could make these caving systems perfect for living organisms. Despite the recent advances in Antarctic research and science, we know very little about the continent. Very little about the life there, history, and mysteries. It will be important to further investigate this ancient mysterious place.
What type of animals will we find? What new species will be discovered? Antarctica holds many mysteries for the modern world. The least publicly researched place on this planet. The pure size of these warm caverns suggests entire underground ecosystems that could have and are thriving for millions of years. We are not sure what to expect. What we will find.
Several miles of ice protect these caverns from the elements, time, and history itself. These caverns survived in secret protecting their ecosystems and all life within. Antarctica holds many secrets. We as modern civilized people only discovered Antarctica couple hundred years ago. We believe strongly older civilizations traveled there and knew about Antarctica. In modern times, we did not. Still very little is publicly known about the most southern place on this planet. The south pole remains mysterious and unknown.
Scientists are discovering something new frequently in Antarctica. From life, to plants, to liquid lakes deep beneath the ice. There is much to learn still. Science teams from dozens of different countries research in Antarctica in limited fashion. It is highly managed. Only a limited number of scientists are allowed to go on Antarctic research missions. Not much is known about the process here as well. Visas are required to go there for any extended time. What we will still discover in Antarctica time will only tell. It is a place full of unknowns. Much of the mystery comes from just not having explored such a vast place. After all, Antarctica is larger than Europe, larger than the United States and Mexico combined. With such a large landmass, we only explore a very small area. Not large enough to really research such as large place. If Antarctica caves conceal life, more research should be conducted to learn about it.
If you like stories about Antarctica, try some books about Antarctica by Daniel River, such as Arctic Ave or Arctic Record. Two thrillers that include Antarctica. You can read the first chapter of Arctic Record free here. Also, the first chapter of Arctic Ave is available for free here. If you want to purchase either books, they are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
1 Comment