New discoveries in the Antarctic basin have led to the identification of a previously unknown river system known as Rio Grande. According to this groundbreaking discovery, it is possible to learn how climate change has been responsible for shaping the continent’s landscape over millions of years.
According to geoscientist Dr Stewart Jamieson, a team of scientists from the University of Arizona who were responsible for making this important discovery. “The Rio Grande is not like anything we have ever seen in Antarctica”, he says. “This river was underneath ice sheets for millions of years and is currently our unique way back into the history books”.
Satellite imagery and radar data revealed that the Rio Grande River can rival some of the largest rivers worldwide. Newsweek claims that this river’s channels extend over 680 miles; during a warmer period in Earth’s history, it probably moved water and sediments across Antarctica.
The existence of Rio Grande implies that at some point in time, Antarctica had a more temperate climate which could support flowing water. This finding contradicts previous assumptions about glacial history on the continent and suggests parts of Antarctica may not have been covered by ice at all during specific periods.
Dr Jamieson said, “This discovery carries great implications.” He adds that, “It changes everything we thought we knew about Antarctica since it challenges our understanding regarding future stability concerning its ice sheet. The fact that there was such a massive river system means that the ice sheet must have been much smaller than what we believed.”
The next step for these researchers will be trying to establish how old the river system is as well as aspects related to its climatic creation requirements. Consequently, they may offer useful information used in determining any changes anticipated when global warming merges with changes on earth surface.
With their discovery of Rio Grande asking questions regarding potential similar hidden rivers systems elsewhere around Antarctica, Dr Jamieson states once again, “We are just scratching the surface”. He further added, “Other rivers could be below ice which are not yet discovered.”
As a result of the ongoing climate change in polar regions, understanding the history of Antarctica’s ice and water systems has become increasingly significant. These results from the Rio Grande will help scientists develop more accurate models of ice sheet dynamics and sea level rise.
The need for continued exploration and research in Antarctica is emphasized by this discovery. It also highlights the importance of countries working together to explore this remote largely unexplored continent.
