Scientists have discovered 85 new lakes under Antarctica’s thick ice sheet. No one knew these lakes earlier. This secret opened with ten years of satellite data. These lakes are ‘active’, that is, they become empty from time to time and then fill it.
This keeps their size and shape changes in months-years. Scientists say that this affects the stability of glaciers. The snow is intermittent, which can affect the global sea level.
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The discovery was made by data from the Cryosat-2 satellite of the European Space Agency (ESA). Study on 19 September ‘Nature Communications’ It was printed in the journal. Professor Anna Hong of the University of Leeds, UK, said that it was exciting to see the subgradual lake areas to be filled. This showed that Antarctica’s water activities are more dynamic than first thought. We have to continuously monitor these lakes.
Details of lakes: How old were it and now what?
Earlier, 146 active subglesal lakes were known in Antarctica. Now the total number has increased to 231 with this discovery. Study Lead Author Sally Sally Wilson said that it is very difficult to see the lakes being filled. This view was seen only 36 times around the world. 12 more views were found in our study, a total of 48.
These lakes are hidden under snow. The heat comes up from inside the earth or the snowball creates heat on the bedock. This makes the snow melt and makes water. Lakes are formed. Sometimes these lakes suddenly become empty. The flow of water gives lubrication under ice. This rapidly slips on the bedock. Moves towards the ocean.
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How did you search? Satellite’s magical eye
Data from 2010 to 2020 was used for study. Cryosat-2 satellite measures the thickness of sea ice, glacier and ice sheets. It has a radar ortimeter, which takes small changes in the height of the snow.
Due to the filling of lakes, ice is up and down. Data showed that ice is sinking or coming up in dozens of places. Scientists found 25 lake clusters and 5 new networks. Lakes are connected among them. Empty of one affects the other. This increases the speed of snow.
Why is this discovery important? Danger at sea level
This discovery will help in understanding the activities of ice sheets. This will make climate models better. Wilson said that the current models do not include subglesal water activities. These new data will explain the location, size and change of lakes. This will understand the flow of water under Antarctica.
The sea level increases due to melting ice of Antarctica. If the glaciers go fast to the ocean, the coastal areas may drown. Crores of people will be affected around the world. This discovery clears the effect of climate change.
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What in future? Monitoring necessary
Scientists say that the water system of Antarctica is more complex. We have to keep an eye on the satellite continuously. This will make the sea level prediction accurate. It is also important for countries like India, because the risk of floods in the Bay of Bengal will increase. This discovery suggests that the secrets of the earth are still hidden. The work of scientists is going on. Such discoveries are necessary to fight climate crisis.
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