Beneath the vast expanse of Antarctica's ice, a hidden network of lakes exists, influencing the flow of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and contributing to global sea level rise. Recent satellite data analysis has revealed 85 previously unknown subglacial lakes, nearly doubling the number of active lakes under the White Continent. These lakes, located deep beneath the ice, are influenced by the gentle frictional heating from the movement of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the Earth's interior heat. Researchers used satellite data from CryoSat-2 to detect changes in the height of the ice surface caused by subglacial lakes filling or draining, akin to a blister under the ice sheet. The study found that 50 of the discovered lakes exhibited both filling and draining behavior, with 10 completing a full cycle. Interestingly, individual lakes did not always fill and drain to the same level, and some regions showed interconnected lakes, suggesting a complex hydrological network. The water from these lakes can lubricate the glacier bed, potentially accelerating ice flow and contributing to sea level rise. Additionally, the freshwater in subglacial lakes can alter local ocean currents and impact marine life around ice shelves. This discovery provides valuable insights into the processes occurring beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet, thanks to the long-term records of satellite data, particularly CryoSat-2, which has far exceeded its expected mission lifetime. The research highlights the importance of maintaining these datasets for tracking gradual changes in polar regions.
