Scientists have long tried in vain to investigate the geological conditions under the Antarctic ice cover. The continent's huge size and inadequate technology have long been a hindrance to scientists - but earlier this week, the American Geophysical Union published new data in the journal Nature Geoscience: Antarctica has the world's deepest ravine, 3,500 meters deep in the Denmanglacier in the eastern parts of the continent.
According to the research team, the deep valleys contribute to draining the trans-Antarctic mountains. The valleys also stabilize the glaciers and minimize any icing. Despite advances in some respects, the general view of Antarctica is still flawed, so the American Geophysical Union's publication highlights the importance of continued research on the continent, where ice flooding is rapid.
“The new research findings are also predicted to give indications of how glaciers react to climate change. For example, they show how glaciers along the trans-Antarctic mountains are protected by broad and stabilizing ridges, ”the research team writes.