New Zealand scientists drilling through Antarctic ice discovered an underwater ecosystem. Beneath a thick and unforgiving ice shelf, in massive caverns with extremely high ceilings, are shrimp like creatures. A newly discovered underwater ecosystem that has been ice-locked and full of life. Marine life discovered in Antarctic river. The ecosystem was found more than 1,600 feet below ice.
A team of scientists from New Zealand discovered the ecosystem, deep below the ice. Hundreds of kilometers from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf. When the team drilled down through the ice and into the river, the team’s cameras were swarmed by little creatures from the same lineage as crabs and lobsters. New Zealand’s Antarctica team supported researches from multiple universities. When life was found, scientists celebrated. All those animals swimming around the equipment means that there is clearly a local ecosystem.
“Getting to observe and sample this river was like being the first to enter a hidden world.”
The team from New Zealand truly discovered something unique. These researchers left instruments in the river to continue the observation. Researchers want to bring this hidden world into the light, revealing a cavern filled with tiny life forms. A subterranean habitat tucked away beneath the Larsen Ice Shelf – a massive, floating sheet of ice attached to the eastern coast of the Antarctic peninsula.
Researchers also discovered that the water underground split into four or more distinct layers of water flowing in opposite directions. Researches still do not understand what this means. The marine life discovered in Antarctic river will continue to be studied. Additional research is going to be done on various topics. What else will researchers find in Antarctica? What other hidden worlds, and animals will we discover. Antarctica holds many secrets waiting to be discovered.
Researchers have long known about the hidden lakes in Antarctica. Deep lakes far underneath the ice sheets. Miles down. Antarctica holds the largest deposits of fresh water lakes in the world. There is much being researched, but Antarctica is a big place. Larger than Europe. Larger than the United States and Mexico put together. Antarctica is a large continent, which has not been researched until very recently. It is a place we “modern” humans have only known about for a relative short period of time.
New Zealand researchers have just begun to understand all what Antarctica has to offer. A place of wonder. An ancient place with hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered. Scientists from multiple universities will be busy studying all the findings, samples, and content gathered through expeditions. It is an exciting scientific time regarding Antarctica. A truly last frontier for human kind. A place untouched by modern humans. A place mysterious to the human mind. It is intriguing to think what else will be found. Only time will tell! New Zealand team made an incredible discovery in Antarctica. The findings will certainly be interesting to further study. Anytime you find life, it is an exciting time for a scientist. Understanding the significance of these findings, researchers are jumping up and down with joy.
