We’ve previously used satellite data and ice samples to track how glaciers change over time,” says lead study author Anna Wahlin, professor of oceanography at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. – By sending the submersible into the cavity, we were able to obtain high-resolution maps of the underside of the ice. It’s like seeing the far side of the Moon.
During the 2022 expedition, the submersible traveled more than 1,000 kilometers back and forth under the glacier – and 17 kilometers within the ice cavity.
“Better models are needed to predict how fast the ice shelf will melt in the future,” Wahlin said. “It’s great that oceanographers and glaciologists are working together, combining remote sensing with oceanographic data. This is essential to understanding the ongoing glaciological changes – the driving force is in the ocean.”
The team has now published the results of their study, which includes some intriguing findings. One such discovery is a strange pattern at the bottom of the glacier. Underwater currents are slowly eroding the ice and deepening the crevasses.
These patterns resemble sand dunes and can stretch up to 400 meters in length. The researchers believe the appearance of these patterns is due to the movement of water at the bottom of the glacier caused by the Earth’s rotation.
“If you look closely at the shapes, they are not symmetrical, they are slightly curved like edible mussels,” explained A. Wahlin. “The reason for this asymmetry is the rotation of the Earth. Water moving on Earth is affected by the so-called Coriolis force.”
The structure that created this pattern of water appears to be called an Ekman spiral.
Deeper water is affected by the Coriolis force, and flares spread asymmetrically, depending on which hemisphere you are in. In the Northern Hemisphere, the flare propagates to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, to the left.
The deeper the layer of water, the slower it moves to the right or left, creating a spiral effect.
Unfortunately, after this expedition, the submarine disappeared under the glacier called “Doomsday.” During dives, the submersible has no constant communication with the scientists operating it, so it follows a pre-programmed route and uses an advanced navigation system to find its way back from under the ice to open water.
However, after several successful dives under the ice, during one in 2024, the submersible did not return – and the team was unable to find it.
“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, but you don’t even know where the haystack is,” concludes A. Wahlin. – Ran’s batteries are currently dead. All we know is that something unexpected happened under the ice.
A team of scientists plans to replace the submersible with another and continue their important research.
The study is published in Science Advances.