Under the ice of Antarctica at a depth of 500 meters found a whole swarm of living creatures
Miscellaneous / / June 08, 2022
Amazing footage from the secret world, which was penetrated for the first time.
A group of scientists from New Zealand, engaged in drilling the ice of Antarctica, discovered an entire underwater ecosystem at a depth of 500 meters near the Ross Ice Shelf.
It is located in a network of hidden freshwater lakes and rivers. Scientists have long known about their existence, but it was the first time they managed to look inside. Submerging the probe after drilling proved to be a real journey of discovery, the researchers noted.
Cast: NIWA / Craig Stevens
The descent camera was able to capture many shrimp-like creatures. These are amphipods, distant relatives of lobsters and crabs.
For a while we thought something was wrong with the camera, but as the focus improved, we noticed a swarm of arthropods about 5 millimeters in size.
Craig Stevens
physical oceanographer, National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
The scientist added that it is unlikely that any of the discovered creatures are still unknown to science, but nevertheless, a number of intriguing questions arise about their existence and survival in such conditions.
Team now holds analyzing water samples to find clues as to what nutrients may support life in that ecosystem.
Watching and diving into this river was like being the first to enter the hidden world. On the surface of the ice shelf there is a small valley descending to the coast. Beneath it lies a cathedral-like cavern, hundreds of meters high, teeming with life. All this is hidden under a vast ice shelf. It was an incredibly exciting expedition due to the rare opportunity to explore this type of environment. We left instruments there that should provide observations for years to come.
Hugh Horgan
Associate Professor of Geophysical Glaciology at the Center for Antarctic Research
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