An ancient landscape discovered under Antarctica. It was hidden in ice for 14 million years

Beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet discovered an ancient landscape that has been hidden for at least 14 million years. All this time, he could maintain his original appearance, scientists are sure. However, now this stability is threatened global warming.

It was possible to find the ancient land surface thanks to new satellite data and the study of radar images. And with the help of sounding, the study authors were able to partially map it.

The data obtained revealed three mountain blocks carved by rivers. They are separated by deep depressions about 40 kilometers wide. It is likely that the waterways that formed this landscape flowed during and after the breakup of the supercontinent

Gondwana. That is, before the first glaciers appeared.

A permanent ice sheet began to develop in Antarctica approximately 34 million years ago. As the temperature fluctuated, it advanced, retreated, thickened and thinned. But for the last 14 million years it has remained stable and, most likely, has not changed to this day.

Recent observations have shown that it is not so stable now. And its melting capable significantly raise sea levels and flood many cities, scientists warn.