NEW YORK, July 7, 2025
Unexpected discovery under Antarctic ice unveils a hidden world.
Lobster-like creatures thrive in a subglacial river.
- A hidden river was found beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
- The river is home to lobster-like creatures.
- The discovery may help understand ice melt and sea-level rise.
In a stunning discovery, scientists found lobster-like creatures thriving in a subglacial river deep beneath the Antarctic ice; this remote ecosystem, hidden for millennia, is located 400 kilometers from the open ocean, revealing a surprising pocket of life.
A river runs beneath it
Imagine drilling more than half a mile into solid ice and finding a flowing river. That’s precisely what happened during a recent expedition to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Researchers uncovered a subglacial river lurking beneath the Ross Ice Shelf, a hidden waterway that has remained isolated for thousands of years. The river, as deep as a 30-story building, is a mix of fresh and seawater, slowly making its way toward the ocean.
Unexpected inhabitants
The biggest surprise? Life. Expedition leader Huw Horgan explained, “We struck water at the end of the borehole and with the help of our camera, we even discovered a school of lobster-like creatures — 400 kilometers from the open ocean.” It’s an astonishing find, proving that life can exist in even the most extreme environments.
The river’s rhythm and impact
This isn’t just a stagnant pool. Researchers believe the river swells roughly every decade when nearby lakes drain into it. These surges may be accelerating ice melt by carving channels and distributing nutrients, which sustains the life discovered.
Why does this matter?
**What is the significance of discovering life under Antarctic ice?** This discovery is an important one in terms of our understanding of ice melt and sea level rise, offering insights into how subglacial rivers may be thinning glaciers from the bottom up. This process could ease land-based ice into the ocean, speeding up sea-level rise, which may increase the risk of flooding in extreme weather and put pressure on food systems.
Looking ahead
This unexpected ecosystem provides a new perspective on the interconnectedness of our planet. It highlights the potential for life in unexpected places and the crucial role these hidden environments play in the larger climate system.
