This ice sheet covers an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers and is the largest single ice mass on Earth. Despite its importance, our knowledge of the terrain hidden beneath it remains limited compared to the surface of Mars or Venus, due to the difficulty of making direct observations through its thick ice layers.
In this study, researchers used a modern technique known as "Ice Flow Disturbance Analysis" (IFPA), which identifies distinctive surface features of the ice caused by its flow over hills and valleys. They combined this technique with the latest satellite imagery to produce the most detailed picture of the terrain beneath the ice, including previously unstudied areas.
The new map showed thousands of glacial hills, valleys, mountain ranges and deep canyons, with great variation in terrain that has formed over millions of years.
Professor Robert Bingham from the University of Edinburgh explained: "Beneath the ice sheet of Antarctica lies a diverse topography consisting of flat plains, discontinuous plateaus, and towering mountains. Thanks to this technology, we have been able for the first time to accurately observe the distribution of this topography across the continent."
Previous research has shown that rugged terrain beneath the ice, such as hills and steep mountain ranges, slows the retreat of the ice sheet by providing frictional resistance to its flow toward the sea. Therefore, the new map is an important tool for guiding future surveys and helps in developing more accurate projections of future sea-level rise.
Matthew Morlighem, from Dartmouth College, emphasized: "Understanding the topography of Antarctica is crucial for ice sheet models. Rough terrain can significantly slow ice retreat, and this map helps produce more accurate predictions of the location and extent of sea-level rise."
The results were published in the journal Science.
