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Antarctica is the least explored continent on the planet. And this is not surprising, given that the temperature here can reach minus 80 ° C, and most of it is covered by a huge glacier. Scientists have determined that the glacier is so heavy that it could bend the mainland under itself by nearly 500m.
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Gradually, the Antarctic ice sheet begins to melt, revealing its secrets in a literal sense. It is all the fault of global warming. And researchers have been interested in what this once-flourishing continent hides, which has been covered in ice for the past millions of years.
The deepest place on earth on earth The thinning of the ice sheet at Bird Glacier revealed a valley below. In addition, it has been officially recognized as the deepest point on Earth, which is located on earth – almost 2780 meters below sea level.
It’s too early to say anything in detail about the valley – scientists have just started studying. However, they have no doubt that this incredible place will still delight everyone with interesting discoveries.
Vostok Lake: unique conditions and surprising microorganisms Lake Vostok lies under almost 4 km thick ice. This creates an incredible pressure of 300 atmospheres. It seems surprising that something can survive under such conditions. However, scientists suggest that viable microorganisms can remain in the lake.
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Drilling scheme for a well in the Vostok lake.
In addition: the local ecosystem was formed and developed in conditions of complete isolation from the outside world for a long time. As a result, it can be surprisingly different from anything we’re used to. For scientists, the opportunity to explore Lake Vostok is like a trip to another world.
Active volcanoes Antarctica hides active volcanoes under the ice. They are not active enough to completely melt the ice. However, they completely keep the liquid water around them. Often, next to such volcanoes (one can take Mount Erebus as an example), a system of ice caves is formed. They create a kind of closed chain.
Scientists have already begun to explore the caves described. They found traces of DNA unknown to science there, providing encouraging evidence that researchers can find living organisms still unknown to us. So Antarctica is able to hide many secrets.
Remains of ancient animals The melting of the ice also leads to the fact that scientists are finding more and more frozen mummies of penguins or the remains of ancient dinosaurs. And all of this is in great condition due to the extreme cold. So the scientists are very excited. They intend to explore Antarctica further.
Furthermore, there is practical sense in such a study. If global warming continues, the mainland could become habitable. Even now, scientists are reporting the emergence of tundra areas on it. The researchers say that in the near future we can expect the emergence of vegetation and an increase in biodiversity in terms of the presence of various birds and animals. Therefore, the interest in what Antarctica hides is not difficult to understand.
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