A massive Antarctic iceberg, known as A81, covers around 1,340 square kilometres — nearly the size of Greater London. The iceberg broke away from Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf in January 2023 after a major crack, known as Chasm 1, extended through the ice. The giant ice formation highlights the dramatic changes unfolding across Antarctica’s frozen landscape.

A81 covers1,340 sq km, about size of greater London

Two huge icebergs, one the size of Greater London and drifting for more than four years, could collide with South Georgia, a remote British island. They calved from Antarctica's ice shelves and have since travelled thousands of kilometres. The larger one, A81, separated from the Brunt Ice Shelf in January 2023 and contains over 1,340 square km of ice. The second one is D32, which broke away from the Amery Ice Shelf in October 2022 and spans 106 square km.&nbsp;Both are now posing a threat to South Georgia. Images taken by the Copernicus satellites show that A81 and D32 are in the Scotia Sea, in the South Atlantic Ocean. The icebergs are at risk of grounding in the shallow waters surrounding the island. Once there, they could break up into several fragments, which could hit fishing boats and other vessels.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-reveal-what-caused-a-a-hole-the-size-of-portugal-in-antarctica-1790863691355">Portugal-sized hole emerged in Antarctica two years ago. A team of Indian scientists now know what caused it</a><h2>When the icebergs broke apart from Antarctica ice shelves</h2>Scientists have been keeping an eye on the icebergs ever since they calved from the ice shelves. Because of its massive size, A81 was being monitored even before it broke apart. A large crack developed across the entire ice shelf and was only 20km from the British–operated Halley Research Station. In 2016, the entire research station was shifted towards the inner regions to prevent it from collapsing into the sea.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/90mn-years-ago-900-km-from-south-pole-when-wildfires-ripped-antarctica-1789638559690">90mn years ago, 900 km from South Pole: When wildfires ripped Antarctica</a>&nbsp;Now they are moving towards South Georgia, but experts say they might not be a hazard. Professor Grant Bigg from the University of Sheffield told the Daily Mail that icebergs passing South Georgia mostly go north or south of the island. Another expert added that the icebergs will most likely follow the strong current that flows along the continental shelf and pass around the island.<h2>Why the much smaller pieces will be a bigger problem</h2>The icebergs will become a danger after they break up. While ships can avoid the bigger pieces by tracking them on satellite, the primary threat will be posed by the much smaller bits, which will be hard to detect on radar.&nbsp;Meanwhile, not a lot of vessels might fall on their way as most ships do not move away from the trans–South–Atlantic shipping lanes further north. There is only one krill fishery on South Georgia, which is located on the north side of the island.&nbsp;

The icebergs are expected to reach South Georgia, where they can slam into the island or get grounded and break into several pieces. This could be a hazard for the vessels in the region. They separated from Antarctica and have been drifting ever since.

Two huge icebergs, one the size of Greater London and drifting for more than four years, could collide with South Georgia, a remote British island. They calved from Antarctica's ice shelves and have since travelled thousands of kilometres. The larger one, A81, separated from the Brunt Ice Shelf in January 2023 and contains over 1,340 square km of ice. The second one is D32, which broke away from the Amery Ice Shelf in October 2022 and spans 106 square km. Both are now posing a threat to South Georgia. Images taken by the Copernicus satellites show that A81 and D32 are in the Scotia Sea, in the South Atlantic Ocean. The icebergs are at risk of grounding in the shallow waters surrounding the island. Once there, they could break up into several fragments, which could hit fishing boats and other vessels. Also Read: Portugal-sized hole emerged in Antarctica two years ago. A team of Indian scientists now know what caused it When the icebergs broke apart from Antarctica ice shelves Scientists have been keeping an eye on the icebergs ever since they calved from the ice shelves. Because of its massive size, A81 was being monitored even before it broke apart. A large crack developed across the entire ice shelf and was only 20km from the British–operated Halley Research Station. In 2016, the entire research station was shifted towards the inner regions to prevent it from collapsing into the sea. Also Read: 90mn years ago, 900 km from South Pole: When wildfires ripped Antarctica Now they are moving towards South Georgia, but experts say they might not be a hazard. Professor Grant Bigg from the University of Sheffield told the Daily Mail that icebergs passing South Georgia mostly go north or south of the island. Another expert added that the icebergs will most likely follow the strong current that flows along the continental shelf and pass around the island. Why the much smaller pieces will be a bigger problem The icebergs will become a danger after they break up. While ships can avoid the bigger pieces by tracking them on satellite, the primary threat will be posed by the much smaller bits, which will be hard to detect on radar. Meanwhile, not a lot of vessels might fall on their way as most ships do not move away from the trans–South–Atlantic shipping lanes further north. There is only one krill fishery on South Georgia, which is located on the north side of the island.

The icebergs are expected to reach South Georgia, where they can slam into the island or get grounded and break into several pieces. This could be a hazard for the vessels in the region. They separated from Antarctica and have been drifting ever since.

Two icebergs from Antarctica on collision course with British island

In August 2024, a vast hole, about the size of Portugal, opened up in Breid Bay in East Antarctica, when it is typically entirely covered in ice from July through August. This hole is known as a polynya, which is a region of open seawater surrounded by sea ice. A team of researchers from India have now found the reason for this anomaly.&nbsp;Earth scientist Jeebanjyoti Swain says a series of extreme weather conditions led to this area of ice opening up. This included intense atmospheric rivers and marine heatwaves. The findings published in Geophysical Research Letters state that these "intense atmospheric rivers, commonly known as 'rivers in the sky,' transported large amounts of moisture from lower latitudes into the Antarctic region." This, along with a persistent southward flow, "drove sea‐ice poleward."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/40-foot-waves-smash-into-cruise-ship-in-dangerous-stretch-near-antarctica-1789965112592">40-foot waves crash into cruise ship in dangerous stretch near Antarctica. Watch</a><h2>Atmospheric rivers wreak havoc on sea ice in Antarctica</h2>Notably, at least six such rivers were recorded from July to August that year. They were among the strongest mid-winter moisture transport events ever seen. They worked together to enhance "downwelling long-wave radiation, atmospheric warming, warm snowfall, and positive heat flux into the ocean."&nbsp;The researchers also mention the "Ekman suction" as one of the reasons, which brought "warmer subsurface water toward the surface", which caused the upper ocean to warm. Sustained marine heatwaves added to the problem and prevented sea ice from freezing. Ekman suction is the vertical upward motion of deep water into the surface ocean layer caused by wind-driven transport.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/11-trillion-tons-of-ice-has-vanished-from-greenland-and-antarctica-1789553793005">11 trillion tons of ice has vanished from Greenland and Antarctica. That's not the worst part</a>&nbsp;It carried upper circumpolar deep water, which is warm and turbulent, to the surface, which slowed and stopped the water from freezing. With climate change becoming a stark reality, Swain has warned that polynyas will become a frequent occurrence in Antarctica. The warming world strengthens these atmospheric rivers and causes frequent and persistent heat waves in both air and sea.&nbsp;Antarctica is already facing one of its worst conditions, as a study noted that the frozen continent reached its third-lowest level of winter sea ice extent on record. Worryingly, the four lowest winter sea ice records occurred in the last four years. The lowest winter ice was recorded in 2023, with 2024 notching the second position. &nbsp;

A team of Indian scientists has discovered the reason for a massive hole that opened up in Antarctica in 2024. A large open body of seawater surrounded by ice was recorded in Breid Bay in East Antarctica, leaving scientists perplexed. Now the reason for this polynya has been revealed.

In August 2024, a vast hole, about the size of Portugal, opened up in Breid Bay in East Antarctica, when it is typically entirely covered in ice from July through August. This hole is known as a polynya, which is a region of open seawater surrounded by sea ice. A team of researchers from India have now found the reason for this anomaly. Earth scientist Jeebanjyoti Swain says a series of extreme weather conditions led to this area of ice opening up. This included intense atmospheric rivers and marine heatwaves. The findings published in Geophysical Research Letters state that these "intense atmospheric rivers, commonly known as 'rivers in the sky,' transported large amounts of moisture from lower latitudes into the Antarctic region." This, along with a persistent southward flow, "drove sea‐ice poleward." Also Read: 40-foot waves crash into cruise ship in dangerous stretch near Antarctica. Watch Atmospheric rivers wreak havoc on sea ice in Antarctica Notably, at least six such rivers were recorded from July to August that year. They were among the strongest mid-winter moisture transport events ever seen. They worked together to enhance "downwelling long-wave radiation, atmospheric warming, warm snowfall, and positive heat flux into the ocean." The researchers also mention the "Ekman suction" as one of the reasons, which brought "warmer subsurface water toward the surface", which caused the upper ocean to warm. Sustained marine heatwaves added to the problem and prevented sea ice from freezing. Ekman suction is the vertical upward motion of deep water into the surface ocean layer caused by wind-driven transport. Also Read: 11 trillion tons of ice has vanished from Greenland and Antarctica. That's not the worst part It carried upper circumpolar deep water, which is warm and turbulent, to the surface, which slowed and stopped the water from freezing. With climate change becoming a stark reality, Swain has warned that polynyas will become a frequent occurrence in Antarctica. The warming world strengthens these atmospheric rivers and causes frequent and persistent heat waves in both air and sea. Antarctica is already facing one of its worst conditions, as a study noted that the frozen continent reached its third-lowest level of winter sea ice extent on record. Worryingly, the four lowest winter sea ice records occurred in the last four years. The lowest winter ice was recorded in 2023, with 2024 notching the second position.

A team of Indian scientists has discovered the reason for a massive hole that opened up in Antarctica in 2024. A large open body of seawater surrounded by ice was recorded in Breid Bay in East Antarctica, leaving scientists perplexed. Now the reason for this polynya has been revealed.

Portugal-sized hole emerged in Antarctica two years ago. A team of Indian scientists now know what caused it

A video shows a cruise ship being violently slammed by nearly 40 feet waves in the Drake Passage, a water body between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. The vessel sways like a toy as waves are seen crashing around it through its massive observation windows. Surfer.com reported that there is no confirmed height of the seas, although, going by the ship's size, they could be between 23 and 35 feet, and even higher.&nbsp;The Drake Passage extends from Cape Horn in Chile to the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It is known for its massive waves, some of which have been measured at 65 feet. The region spans nearly 1,000 kilometres and is a dangerous stretch of sea. The conditions here are extremely rough because of a lack of landmass to block the wind. As air flows continuously without any obstruction, and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current races around the planet, they cause massive storms with towering waves.<h2>Watch video of 40-foot waves crashing into a ship</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is the infamous &quot;Drake Shake.&quot; Cruise passengers film the brutal 800 km crossing between South America and Antarctica. <a href="https://t.co/5hCCvtMvZk">pic.twitter.com/5hCCvtMvZk</a>&mdash; Digital Brain (@digitalbrain01) <a href="https://x.com/digitalbrain01/status/2099787702988104102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The winds are so fierce that they are also known as "Roaring Forties," "Furious Fifties," and "Screaming Sixties". The storms also lead to accidents in the Drake Passage. In November 2022, violent waves smashed into the expedition ship Viking Polaris, breaking seven cabin windows. One person died and eight others were injured in the incident. Investigators noted that winds can produce breaking waves in the region. Even modern ships cannot withstand the storms and waves in the Drake Passage.

Drake Passage between Chile and Antarctica is an extremely rough portion of the ocean where unhindered winds create massive storms that can trigger even 65-foot waves. The video shows huge waves crashing into the ship and passengers running around in panic.

A video shows a cruise ship being violently slammed by nearly 40 feet waves in the Drake Passage, a water body between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. The vessel sways like a toy as waves are seen crashing around it through its massive observation windows. Surfer.com reported that there is no confirmed height of the seas, although, going by the ship's size, they could be between 23 and 35 feet, and even higher. The Drake Passage extends from Cape Horn in Chile to the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It is known for its massive waves, some of which have been measured at 65 feet. The region spans nearly 1,000 kilometres and is a dangerous stretch of sea. The conditions here are extremely rough because of a lack of landmass to block the wind. As air flows continuously without any obstruction, and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current races around the planet, they cause massive storms with towering waves. Watch video of 40-foot waves crashing into a ship

Drake Passage between Chile and Antarctica is an extremely rough portion of the ocean where unhindered winds create massive storms that can trigger even 65-foot waves. The video shows huge waves crashing into the ship and passengers running around in panic.

40-foot waves crash into cruise ship in dangerous stretch near Antarctica. Watch

Antarctica is a frigid continent today. But millions of years ago it was covered with trees and was a tropical forest. Now, a new study has found that wildfires erupted regularly here and offers proof of the southernmost wildfires ever recorded on Earth. This is also the time dinosaurs roamed the continent during the Late Cretaceous period, 90 million years ago.&nbsp;Researchers with the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany, talk about the sediment cores where the proof lies in the peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on September 7, 2026.<h2>Rainforest in Antarctica</h2>Scientists first stumbled upon evidence that Antarctica was a lush rainforest in 2020. A sediment core was drilled from an area that is currently in West Antarctica, with clear signs of an environment was lush and green. "In a sediment core from the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica, we found an extremely well-preserved forest soil dating back around 90 million years, containing abundant pollen and spores and a dense network of roots," co-author Johann Klages of AWI said.&nbsp;This sediment core was studied in detail in the latest study, where scientists found signs of recurring wildfires in Antarctica. They came across three pieces of evidence: charcoal, amber and peat moss. More charcoal fragments were found in the younger sediments. An analysis showed that it came from soft conifer wood burning at low temperatures.&nbsp;Amber was fossilised tree resin which supposedly flowed over the tree trunks and sealed the fire-damaged areas. Next, they found lots of spores of peat moss, which was proof of raised bogs in Antarctica that the researchers linked to the wildfires. &nbsp;Peat moss is a spongy soil made from dead plant matter.<h2>Thunderstorms triggered wildfires in Antarctica</h2>Ninety million years ago, Antarctica was connected to Australia with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. It witnessed dry periods as well as monsoons when thunderstorms and lightning would have ignited fires in the forests. Co-author Ulrich Salzmann of Northumbria University in England said, "90 million years ago, just 900 kilometres [560 miles] from the South Pole, a temperate and very swampy Antarctic rainforest with pronounced dry and monsoon seasons gradually silted up and developed into a peatland dominated by peat mosses." &nbsp;

Antarctica was prone to frequent wildfires 90 million years ago, a study of sediment cores has found. At that time, it was a rainforest that experienced monsoons and was also dry. Lightning strikes set trees on fire, and the blaze spread just like it happens today.

Antarctica is a frigid continent today. But millions of years ago it was covered with trees and was a tropical forest. Now, a new study has found that wildfires erupted regularly here and offers proof of the southernmost wildfires ever recorded on Earth. This is also the time dinosaurs roamed the continent during the Late Cretaceous period, 90 million years ago. Researchers with the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany, talk about the sediment cores where the proof lies in the peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on September 7, 2026. Rainforest in Antarctica Scientists first stumbled upon evidence that Antarctica was a lush rainforest in 2020. A sediment core was drilled from an area that is currently in West Antarctica, with clear signs of an environment was lush and green. "In a sediment core from the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica, we found an extremely well-preserved forest soil dating back around 90 million years, containing abundant pollen and spores and a dense network of roots," co-author Johann Klages of AWI said. This sediment core was studied in detail in the latest study, where scientists found signs of recurring wildfires in Antarctica. They came across three pieces of evidence: charcoal, amber and peat moss. More charcoal fragments were found in the younger sediments. An analysis showed that it came from soft conifer wood burning at low temperatures. Amber was fossilised tree resin which supposedly flowed over the tree trunks and sealed the fire-damaged areas. Next, they found lots of spores of peat moss, which was proof of raised bogs in Antarctica that the researchers linked to the wildfires. Peat moss is a spongy soil made from dead plant matter. Thunderstorms triggered wildfires in Antarctica Ninety million years ago, Antarctica was connected to Australia with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. It witnessed dry periods as well as monsoons when thunderstorms and lightning would have ignited fires in the forests. Co-author Ulrich Salzmann of Northumbria University in England said, "90 million years ago, just 900 kilometres [560 miles] from the South Pole, a temperate and very swampy Antarctic rainforest with pronounced dry and monsoon seasons gradually silted up and developed into a peatland dominated by peat mosses."

Antarctica was prone to frequent wildfires 90 million years ago, a study of sediment cores has found. At that time, it was a rainforest that experienced monsoons and was also dry. Lightning strikes set trees on fire, and the blaze spread just like it does today.

90mn years ago, 900 km from South Pole: When wildfires ripped Antarctica

Ice loss at the poles is a reality. But scientists have struggled to know how much of it is already gone. A new study has provided the most detailed analysis of this loss using data gathered by satellites. Published in the journal Scientific Data on Wednesday (Sep 16), the study has revealed that the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have lost 11 trillion tons of ice over the last 50 years. Needless to say, they have led to a rise in sea levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bigger problem here is that this has primarily happened because of the melting glaciers and not surface melt. This is when liquid water is produced on the surface of ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice because of rising air temperatures and solar radiation. The main culprits are the glaciers that are rapidly losing water into the sea.<h2>Satellite observations of the poles</h2>Several satellites monitor the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and the observations are used to track ice loss in these regions. Lead author Inès Otosaka, an assistant professor at Northumbria University, told Gizmodo that there are about 50 published estimates of ice loss, each carried out in a different way. To carry out a comprehensive review, the team combined all the independent estimates to create "one dataset and assessment of how the ice sheets have evolved over the past five decades.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/extreme-warming-in-indian-ocean-added-695-billion-tons-of-ice-to-antarctica-1789377094316">Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet</a>&nbsp;A total of 42 independent estimates of ice sheet mass balance were used for this, taken from satellite observations of ice sheet flow, volume, and gravitational attraction. This gave them an estimate of how much mass Greenland and Antarctica had lost since the 1970s. The figure that was revealed was shocking. They noted that a combined 11.3 trillion tons of ice has vanished between 1979 and 2023.&nbsp;"If you put that into context, it’s about enough ice to fill a cube that would be 23 kilometres (14 miles) in height," she said. This has caused global average sea levels to rise by about 1 inch. Even though it looks small, the finding indicates that Greenland and Antarctica have become key drivers of sea level rise.&nbsp;How this ice loss was happening was also surprising. Typically, surface melting and outflow are the two methods by which ice loss happens. In the case of Greenand nd Antarctica, the reason was the latter, triggered by ocean temperatures. This suggests that 84 per cent of the combined ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica was happening because of glaciers that were releasing ice into the ocean, while surface melting contributed just 16 per cent.

We know that ice loss has accelerated in the past few years. But a new comprehensive analysis of 50 datasets has revealed that this loss is huge. The primary reason is the melting of the glaciers into the ocean, which shows just how dire the situation is. 

Ice loss at the poles is a reality. But scientists have struggled to know how much of it is already gone. A new study has provided the most detailed analysis of this loss using data gathered by satellites. Published in the journal Scientific Data on Wednesday (Sep 16), the study has revealed that the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have lost 11 trillion tons of ice over the last 50 years. Needless to say, they have led to a rise in sea levels. The bigger problem here is that this has primarily happened because of the melting glaciers and not surface melt. This is when liquid water is produced on the surface of ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice because of rising air temperatures and solar radiation. The main culprits are the glaciers that are rapidly losing water into the sea. Satellite observations of the poles Several satellites monitor the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and the observations are used to track ice loss in these regions. Lead author Inès Otosaka, an assistant professor at Northumbria University, told Gizmodo that there are about 50 published estimates of ice loss, each carried out in a different way. To carry out a comprehensive review, the team combined all the independent estimates to create "one dataset and assessment of how the ice sheets have evolved over the past five decades.” Also Read: Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet A total of 42 independent estimates of ice sheet mass balance were used for this, taken from satellite observations of ice sheet flow, volume, and gravitational attraction. This gave them an estimate of how much mass Greenland and Antarctica had lost since the 1970s. The figure that was revealed was shocking. They noted that a combined 11.3 trillion tons of ice has vanished between 1979 and 2023. "If you put that into context, it’s about enough ice to fill a cube that would be 23 kilometres (14 miles) in height," she said. This has caused global average sea levels to rise by about 1 inch. Even though it looks small, the finding indicates that Greenland and Antarctica have become key drivers of sea level rise. How this ice loss was happening was also surprising. Typically, surface melting and outflow are the two methods by which ice loss happens. In the case of Greenand nd Antarctica, the reason was the latter, triggered by ocean temperatures. This suggests that 84 per cent of the combined ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica was happening because of glaciers that were releasing ice into the ocean, while surface melting contributed just 16 per cent.

We know that ice loss has accelerated in the past few years. But a new comprehensive analysis of 50 datasets has revealed that this loss is huge. The primary reason is the melting of the glaciers into the ocean, which shows just how dire the situation is.&nbsp;

11 trillion tons of ice has vanished from Greenland and Antarctica. That's not the worst part

Between 2021 and 2023, East Antarctica gained 695 billion tons of ice because of extreme warming in the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. A study published in Nature revealed that this temporary gain was recorded by the GRACE satellites. This happened because the heat in the tropical region altered atmospheric circulation, sending more moisture towards East Antarctica.&nbsp;Over the past two decades, East Antarctica has been losing 140.5 billion tons of ice per year. The 695-billion-ton addition does nothing much to reverse it, and essentially only throws light on how a warming event thousands of kilometres away in a tropical region could affect snowfall and the ice sheet in Antarctica.&nbsp;Researchers led by the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) investigated the cause of the ice gain. Observations from a gravity satellite, ice-core snow-accumulation records, water-vapour tracking, and atmospheric circulation simulations were put together to understand the strange occurrence.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/climate-change-shows-its-fangs-melting-permafrost-triggered-rockslide-on-arctic-island-1789017698225">Climate change shows its fangs - Melting permafrost triggered rockslide on Arctic island</a><h2>Tropical heat drove increase in ice sheet in Antarctica</h2>Their study found that the tropical warm pool at the juncture of the western Pacific and the eastern Indian Ocean was warmer than usual in those years. This triggered a Rossby wave train that moved towards the high southern latitudes, affecting the atmospheric circulation over East Antarctica. Eddy-mean flow feedbacks became stronger and more persistent, leading to a north–south dipole with low-pressure anomalies south of Australia and high-pressure anomalies along the East Antarctic coast.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-ni-o-winter-6-us-states-facing-heavy-snowfall-expert-warns-1788945692662">El Niño winter: 6 US states facing heavy snowfall, expert warns</a>&nbsp;The circulation from this change caused moisture from the midlatitude Indian Ocean to flow towards Antarctica, causing more number of atmospheric rivers to reach the frozen continent. The moist air led to heavy snowfall across the Queen Mary Land–Wilkes Land region, adding mass to the ice sheet. Experiments linked to atmospheric circulation showed that the circulation and the snow were a direct result of the tropical warm pool.&nbsp;"We found a previously underrecognized ‘tropical warm pool–East Antarctic Ice Sheet’ teleconnection pathway," said Yunhe Wang, first author of the study. "Our research provides a theoretical basis for understanding Antarctic ice-sheet mass changes and conducting future research on the East Antarctic climate."&nbsp;The study identified the north–south dipole circulation over East Antarctica as the common link between tropical warming and the increase in the mass of the ice sheet in Antarctica.

While climate change is melting glaciers, the East Antarctic ice sheet grew by nearly 700 billion tons over three years. While that might sound like good news, it is actually proof that global warming can wreak havoc on the planet. Here is what actually happened.

Between 2021 and 2023, East Antarctica gained 695 billion tons of ice because of extreme warming in the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. A study published in Nature revealed that this temporary gain was recorded by the GRACE satellites. This happened because the heat in the tropical region altered atmospheric circulation, sending more moisture towards East Antarctica. Over the past two decades, East Antarctica has been losing 140.5 billion tons of ice per year. The 695-billion-ton addition does nothing much to reverse it, and essentially only throws light on how a warming event thousands of kilometres away in a tropical region could affect snowfall and the ice sheet in Antarctica. Researchers led by the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) investigated the cause of the ice gain. Observations from a gravity satellite, ice-core snow-accumulation records, water-vapour tracking, and atmospheric circulation simulations were put together to understand the strange occurrence. Also Read: Climate change shows its fangs - Melting permafrost triggered rockslide on Arctic island Tropical heat drove increase in ice sheet in Antarctica Their study found that the tropical warm pool at the juncture of the western Pacific and the eastern Indian Ocean was warmer than usual in those years. This triggered a Rossby wave train that moved towards the high southern latitudes, affecting the atmospheric circulation over East Antarctica. Eddy-mean flow feedbacks became stronger and more persistent, leading to a north–south dipole with low-pressure anomalies south of Australia and high-pressure anomalies along the East Antarctic coast. Also Read: El Niño winter: 6 US states facing heavy snowfall, expert warns The circulation from this change caused moisture from the midlatitude Indian Ocean to flow towards Antarctica, causing more number of atmospheric rivers to reach the frozen continent. The moist air led to heavy snowfall across the Queen Mary Land–Wilkes Land region, adding mass to the ice sheet. Experiments linked to atmospheric circulation showed that the circulation and the snow were a direct result of the tropical warm pool. "We found a previously underrecognized ‘tropical warm pool–East Antarctic Ice Sheet’ teleconnection pathway," said Yunhe Wang, first author of the study. "Our research provides a theoretical basis for understanding Antarctic ice-sheet mass changes and conducting future research on the East Antarctic climate." The study identified the north–south dipole circulation over East Antarctica as the common link between tropical warming and the increase in the mass of the ice sheet in Antarctica.

While climate change is melting glaciers, the East Antarctic ice sheet grew by nearly 700 billion tons over three years. While that might sound like good news, it is actually proof that global warming can wreak havoc on the planet. Here is what actually happened.

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet

Antarctica does not use undersea fibre-optic cables for the internet and is entirely dependent on satellites and hard drives that leave the continent in suitcases. This is why bandwidth is restricted and prioritised for scientific operations, and the people there are not exactly connected to anyone else outside the continent. But now a study has shown that building an undersea fibre-optic cable across the Drake Passage to connect Antarctica to the global network is technically viable. However, just gaining permissions and funding can take nearly eight years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, data from Antarctica is carried on hard drives on ships and planes "in suitcases full of hard drives," said Juan Pablo, a team leader in the pre-feasibility study.&nbsp;Conducted by Chile’s telecommunications regulator (Subtel), the study recommends having an instrumented cable carrying a dedicated fibre pair to each Antarctic landing. The proposed cable would provide dedicated fibre pairs rated at 15 to 30 Tbit/s per landing point, which would allow data to be transmitted in real time.<h2>Proposed routes and cost for the fibre cable&nbsp;</h2>The study proposes two routes and the costs attached to them. First is a minimum configuration serving three facility groups around King George Island and the northern Antarctic Peninsula. It would be approximately a 1,600 km link.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second is an optimal configuration with nine Antarctic landing points. The approximately 4,100 km system would connect research bases run by Chile, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Each of them will be linked to landings at Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams in southern Chile and routed across the Drake Passage.&nbsp;The line would be different from commercial subsea cables and would embed SMART sensors along the ocean floor. Drake Passage weather, ice scour at the Antarctic landings, and installation methods uncommon in Antarctica would be other things where the two would differ.<h2>Challenges and hurdles</h2>The project would face two major challenges. The first would be the installation period, with only a short one available and spread across three austral summers inside the December-to-January window. Second is to prevent damage from iceberg ice scour. For this, horizontal directional drilling at the Antarctic landfalls and double-armoured cable are recommended.&nbsp;The report does not give immediate clearance for the construction of the cables. The process of simply acquiring permissions and funding could span eight years. The report has been submitted to Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Antarctic Policy Council for international approval and financing.

Given the giant icebergs, Antarctica does not use cables for the internet. Instead, the research bases are entirely dependent on satellites and hard drives that are sent out on ships. Now, a study has proposed an undersea fibre-optic cable across the Drake Passage to connect it to the world.

Antarctica does not use undersea fibre-optic cables for the internet and is entirely dependent on satellites and hard drives that leave the continent in suitcases. This is why bandwidth is restricted and prioritised for scientific operations, and the people there are not exactly connected to anyone else outside the continent. But now a study has shown that building an undersea fibre-optic cable across the Drake Passage to connect Antarctica to the global network is technically viable. However, just gaining permissions and funding can take nearly eight years. Currently, data from Antarctica is carried on hard drives on ships and planes "in suitcases full of hard drives," said Juan Pablo, a team leader in the pre-feasibility study. Conducted by Chile’s telecommunications regulator (Subtel), the study recommends having an instrumented cable carrying a dedicated fibre pair to each Antarctic landing. The proposed cable would provide dedicated fibre pairs rated at 15 to 30 Tbit/s per landing point, which would allow data to be transmitted in real time. Proposed routes and cost for the fibre cable The study proposes two routes and the costs attached to them. First is a minimum configuration serving three facility groups around King George Island and the northern Antarctic Peninsula. It would be approximately a 1,600 km link. The second is an optimal configuration with nine Antarctic landing points. The approximately 4,100 km system would connect research bases run by Chile, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Each of them will be linked to landings at Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams in southern Chile and routed across the Drake Passage. The line would be different from commercial subsea cables and would embed SMART sensors along the ocean floor. Drake Passage weather, ice scour at the Antarctic landings, and installation methods uncommon in Antarctica would be other things where the two would differ. Challenges and hurdles The project would face two major challenges. The first would be the installation period, with only a short one available and spread across three austral summers inside the December-to-January window. Second is to prevent damage from iceberg ice scour. For this, horizontal directional drilling at the Antarctic landfalls and double-armoured cable are recommended. The report does not give immediate clearance for the construction of the cables. The process of simply acquiring permissions and funding could span eight years. The report has been submitted to Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Antarctic Policy Council for international approval and financing.

Given the giant icebergs, Antarctica does not use cables for the internet. Instead, the research bases are entirely dependent on satellites and hard drives that are sent out on ships. Now, a study has proposed an undersea fibre-optic cable across the Drake Passage to connect it to the world.

Rs 5,933 crore, 1,600km undersea cable route can connect Antarctica to the world. There is one problem

Recent scientific discoveries regarding Antarctica's famous Blood Falls have unmasked the secrets behind its eerie, crimson-colored outflow. Researchers found that the striking red hue is not caused by red algae as historically suspected, but rather by iron-rich hypersaline brine trapped beneath Taylor Glacier for over a million years, which rapidly rusts upon hitting atmospheric oxygen.


Ancient microbes found under ice | 'Blood falls' turns red with rust, colour not caused by algae

Scientists analyzing Antarctica's Blood Falls discovered a surviving, active community of ancient marine microorganisms trapped in subglacial brine beneath Taylor Glacier. Genetic profiling shows these microbes originate from an ancient sea cut off over a million years ago, proving life persists in extreme, dark, and oxygen-poor environments.

'Blood Falls' turns red with rust, colour not caused by algae 

Scientists have found that the enigmatic Blood Falls in Antarctica still harbour descendants of ancient sea creatures that have been trapped beneath the glacier for hundreds of thousands of years. The eerie red water comes from the Taylor Glacier and flows into Lake Bonney. The brine emerging from beneath the ice is rich in iron and turns red upon contact with air. This gives it a unique colour that resembles blood. Under the glacier resides a unique community of microorganisms, including marine diatoms, haptophytes, dinoflagellates and ciliates.&nbsp;These marine microorganisms typically live in the ocean. They became isolated when the glacier moved away and cut off the trapped seawater from the ocean. The discovery proves that the mysterious water is actually from the sea but got sealed beneath advancing ice years ago. The findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience, in which researchers stated that "the subglacial brine–fed system at the Taylor Glacier Terminus retains marine–derived biological signatures long after physical separation from the ocean", calling it a “rare marine refuge.”<h2>Brine water in Blood Falls came from the sea?</h2>For years there has been speculation that the iron-rich salty water was once seawater and Taylor Valley was filled with it when the region was warm. But later, when sea levels dropped, the glacier advanced over it. This is the first time researchers have found biological proof that the water came from the sea.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/forgotten-fossil-reveals-largest-dinosaurs-to-ever-walk-earth-lived-in-antarctica-1782796088641">82-million-year-old fossil reveals Antarctica was home to the largest dinosaurs to ever walk Earth</a>&nbsp;The team analysed 167 samples of water, sediment, ice and air collected from the McMurdo Dry Valleys and nearby areas of Antarctica. DNA sequencing revealed thousands of microorganisms of different kinds inhabited the Blood Falls. Species normally found in marine areas were found to be living in the red ice, mud and sediments from where the water emerges. At Blood Falls, 9.34 per cent of the microorganisms matched those found in nearby ocean samples, whereas other Antarctic Dry Valley sites shared only 1.15 per cent.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sea-ice-twice-the-size-of-rajasthan-goes-missing-from-antarctica-in-winter-1781702114417">Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter</a><h2>Active life found in Blood Falls</h2>They also discovered that many of the microorganisms are biologically active despite the hostile conditions. They are even carrying out photosynthesis, evidence shows. To survive in the freezing and salty conditions, they repair damaged cells and activate stress–response systems. Some species become dormant until the environment becomes fit for them again.&nbsp;Researchers say that this discovery shows how life would have survived on Earth through major climate changes over millions of years. They are also going to be using the data to construct the history of the frozen continent. &nbsp;

Blood Falls, the strangest occurrence in Antarctica, has revealed something peculiar about itself. Scientists have for years thought that the water in this formation is from the sea, even though it is isolated from the ocean. Now they know for sure that it is true.

Scientists have found that the enigmatic Blood Falls in Antarctica still harbour descendants of ancient sea creatures that have been trapped beneath the glacier for hundreds of thousands of years. The eerie red water comes from the Taylor Glacier and flows into Lake Bonney. The brine emerging from beneath the ice is rich in iron and turns red upon contact with air. This gives it a unique colour that resembles blood. Under the glacier resides a unique community of microorganisms, including marine diatoms, haptophytes, dinoflagellates and ciliates. These marine microorganisms typically live in the ocean. They became isolated when the glacier moved away and cut off the trapped seawater from the ocean. The discovery proves that the mysterious water is actually from the sea but got sealed beneath advancing ice years ago. The findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience, in which researchers stated that "the subglacial brine–fed system at the Taylor Glacier Terminus retains marine–derived biological signatures long after physical separation from the ocean", calling it a “rare marine refuge.” Brine water in Blood Falls came from the sea? For years there has been speculation that the iron-rich salty water was once seawater and Taylor Valley was filled with it when the region was warm. But later, when sea levels dropped, the glacier advanced over it. This is the first time researchers have found biological proof that the water came from the sea. Also Read: 82-million-year-old fossil reveals Antarctica was home to the largest dinosaurs to ever walk Earth The team analysed 167 samples of water, sediment, ice and air collected from the McMurdo Dry Valleys and nearby areas of Antarctica. DNA sequencing revealed thousands of microorganisms of different kinds inhabited the Blood Falls. Species normally found in marine areas were found to be living in the red ice, mud and sediments from where the water emerges. At Blood Falls, 9.34 per cent of the microorganisms matched those found in nearby ocean samples, whereas other Antarctic Dry Valley sites shared only 1.15 per cent. Also Read: Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter Active life found in Blood Falls They also discovered that many of the microorganisms are biologically active despite the hostile conditions. They are even carrying out photosynthesis, evidence shows. To survive in the freezing and salty conditions, they repair damaged cells and activate stress–response systems. Some species become dormant until the environment becomes fit for them again. Researchers say that this discovery shows how life would have survived on Earth through major climate changes over millions of years. They are also going to be using the data to construct the history of the frozen continent.

Blood Falls, the strangest occurrence in Antarctica, has revealed something peculiar about itself. Scientists have for years thought that the water in this formation is from the sea, even though it is isolated from the ocean. Now they know for sure that it is true.

Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls

A centuries old religious text, left out of the Bible used by most Christians, has found a fresh audience online after social media users began claiming it describes a prison for fallen angels buried beneath Antarctica.The book at the centre of the theory is the Book of Enoch, an ancient work traditionally linked to Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah. It describes fallen angels, giants and the origins of demons, but never made it into the biblical canon followed by most Christian traditions.Now, parts of the text are being pulled into a modern conspiracy theory. Supporters say its references to sealed chambers, frozen storehouses, imprisoned heavenly beings and the “end of heaven and earth” are not symbolic at all, but a coded description of East Antarctica.<h2>Why are people linking the Book of Enoch to Antarctica?</h2>The theory leans heavily on passages that describe the Watchers, 200 angels who are said to have abandoned their duties, taken human wives and fathered the Nephilim, giant beings blamed in the text for violence and corruption. God is then said to have ordered the Watchers chained and locked away in a fiery abyss until judgment day.That is where the Antarctica theory begins. Online believers argue that the text’s references to the “ends of the earth” point to the southernmost edge of the planet. They also point to the continent’s vast ice sheet, subglacial lakes such as Lake Vostok and the buried Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which lie hidden under miles of ice.<h2>Mysterious radio signals from Antarctica lend weight to theory</h2>Another reason the theory has spread online is its attempt to connect the Book of Enoch with unexplained signals detected by NASA's Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment.ANITA recorded unusual radio events in 2006 and 2014 that appeared to originate from beneath the Antarctic ice. While the signals remain the subject of scientific investigation, researchers have proposed explanations ranging from unusual cosmic ray interactions to unknown physical processes.<h2>What do biblical scholars say?</h2>Most biblical scholars reject the Antarctica interpretation.They argue that the Book of Enoch uses symbolic language to describe a supernatural realm rather than a physical place on Earth. References to the "ends of the earth", fiery prisons and cosmic mountains are widely understood as apocalyptic imagery common in ancient Jewish literature, not geographical directions.Likewise, the book never mentions Antarctica by name, nor does it provide any identifiable location that can be matched to the continent.

An ancient book excluded from most versions of the Bible is at the centre of a viral conspiracy claiming Antarctica hides a prison for fallen angels. Supporters point to mysterious passages, buried mountains and even unexplained radio signals, but what does the Book of Enoch actually say?

A centuries old religious text, left out of the Bible used by most Christians, has found a fresh audience online after social media users began claiming it describes a prison for fallen angels buried beneath Antarctica. The book at the centre of the theory is the Book of Enoch, an ancient work traditionally linked to Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah. It describes fallen angels, giants and the origins of demons, but never made it into the biblical canon followed by most Christian traditions. Now, parts of the text are being pulled into a modern conspiracy theory. Supporters say its references to sealed chambers, frozen storehouses, imprisoned heavenly beings and the “end of heaven and earth” are not symbolic at all, but a coded description of East Antarctica. Why are people linking the Book of Enoch to Antarctica? The theory leans heavily on passages that describe the Watchers, 200 angels who are said to have abandoned their duties, taken human wives and fathered the Nephilim, giant beings blamed in the text for violence and corruption. God is then said to have ordered the Watchers chained and locked away in a fiery abyss until judgment day. That is where the Antarctica theory begins. Online believers argue that the text’s references to the “ends of the earth” point to the southernmost edge of the planet. They also point to the continent’s vast ice sheet, subglacial lakes such as Lake Vostok and the buried Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which lie hidden under miles of ice. Mysterious radio signals from Antarctica lend weight to theory Another reason the theory has spread online is its attempt to connect the Book of Enoch with unexplained signals detected by NASA's Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment. ANITA recorded unusual radio events in 2006 and 2014 that appeared to originate from beneath the Antarctic ice. While the signals remain the subject of scientific investigation, researchers have proposed explanations ranging from unusual cosmic ray interactions to unknown physical processes. What do biblical scholars say? Most biblical scholars reject the Antarctica interpretation. They argue that the Book of Enoch uses symbolic language to describe a supernatural realm rather than a physical place on Earth. References to the "ends of the earth", fiery prisons and cosmic mountains are widely understood as apocalyptic imagery common in ancient Jewish literature, not geographical directions. Likewise, the book never mentions Antarctica by name, nor does it provide any identifiable location that can be matched to the continent.

An ancient book excluded from most versions of the Bible is at the centre of a viral conspiracy claiming Antarctica hides a prison for fallen angels. Supporters point to mysterious passages, buried mountains and even unexplained radio signals, but what does the Book of Enoch actually say?

Is a prison for fallen angels hidden beneath Antarctica? Why the Book of Enoch theory is going viral

The Antarctic Treaty, one of the world's most significant international agreements, marks its 65th anniversary in 2026 after entering into force on June 23, 1961. Signed at the height of the Cold War, the treaty transformed Antarctica into a continent dedicated to peace and scientific research, making it a rare example of lasting international cooperation.&nbsp;The agreement was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959, following the successful International Geophysical Year of 1957 to 1958, when countries worked together on scientific research in Antarctica. It applies to the entire region south of 60 degrees south latitude, covering nearly 10 per cent of the Earth's surface. Every year on December 1, Antarctica Day is observed to commemorate the signing of the treaty.&nbsp;The treaty was originally signed by 12 countries that participated in Antarctic research during the International Geophysical Year. Today, it has expanded to 58 parties, including Consultative members with voting rights and Non-Consultative members without voting powers.<h2>How the treaty preserved Antarctica for peace</h2>The Antarctic Treaty established that the continent would be used only for peaceful purposes. It prohibits military activities, including the establishment of military bases and weapons testing, while allowing scientific cooperation to continue without restrictions.&nbsp;Another key feature of the agreement is the freezing of territorial claims. The treaty neither recognises nor rejects existing claims, preventing disputes over sovereignty. Seven countries have historical claims in Antarctica, but these remain suspended while the treaty is in force.&nbsp;The agreement also declared Antarctica a nuclear-free zone by banning nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste. It further requires countries to exchange scientific observations and research findings freely, encouraging international collaboration.&nbsp;Over the years, the treaty has expanded into the Antarctic Treaty System through additional agreements aimed at protecting the continent's fragile environment. These include the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Madrid Protocol. Adopted in 1991, the protocol designates Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science" and prohibits all commercial mineral resource extraction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/as-us-turns-250-77-say-nation-s-founders-would-be-disappointed-with-how-the-country-has-turned-out-gallup-poll-1782440084684">As US turns 250, 77% say nation's founders would be disappointed with how the country has turned out: Gallup poll</a><h2>India's growing scientific presence in Antarctica</h2>India became a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and was granted Consultative status in the same year. It ratified the Madrid Protocol in 1998 and has steadily expanded its scientific presence on the continent.&nbsp;India established its first permanent research station, Dakshin Gangotri, in 1983. Although it has since been decommissioned, it continues to serve as a supply base. The country also opened its first post office there in 1984.&nbsp;The Maitri research station was commissioned in 1989 in the Schirmacher Oasis and remains operational. India later established a freshwater lake nearby, named Lake Priyadarshini, and opened another post office at Maitri on January 26, 1990.&nbsp;In 2012, India commissioned the Bharati research station between Thala Fjord and Quilty Bay, about 3,000 kilometres east of Maitri. Designed to support year-round scientific research under the Indian Antarctic Programme, Bharati also houses the country's second active post office on the icy continent.

The treaty ensures Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes by banning military activities and promoting scientific cooperation, while also freezing territorial claims to prevent sovereignty disputes.

The Antarctic Treaty, one of the world's most significant international agreements, marks its 65th anniversary in 2026 after entering into force on June 23, 1961. Signed at the height of the Cold War, the treaty transformed Antarctica into a continent dedicated to peace and scientific research, making it a rare example of lasting international cooperation. The agreement was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959, following the successful International Geophysical Year of 1957 to 1958, when countries worked together on scientific research in Antarctica. It applies to the entire region south of 60 degrees south latitude, covering nearly 10 per cent of the Earth's surface. Every year on December 1, Antarctica Day is observed to commemorate the signing of the treaty. The treaty was originally signed by 12 countries that participated in Antarctic research during the International Geophysical Year. Today, it has expanded to 58 parties, including Consultative members with voting rights and Non-Consultative members without voting powers. How the treaty preserved Antarctica for peace The Antarctic Treaty established that the continent would be used only for peaceful purposes. It prohibits military activities, including the establishment of military bases and weapons testing, while allowing scientific cooperation to continue without restrictions. Another key feature of the agreement is the freezing of territorial claims. The treaty neither recognises nor rejects existing claims, preventing disputes over sovereignty. Seven countries have historical claims in Antarctica, but these remain suspended while the treaty is in force. The agreement also declared Antarctica a nuclear-free zone by banning nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste. It further requires countries to exchange scientific observations and research findings freely, encouraging international collaboration. Over the years, the treaty has expanded into the Antarctic Treaty System through additional agreements aimed at protecting the continent's fragile environment. These include the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Madrid Protocol. Adopted in 1991, the protocol designates Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science" and prohibits all commercial mineral resource extraction. Also Read: As US turns 250, 77% say nation's founders would be disappointed with how the country has turned out: Gallup poll India's growing scientific presence in Antarctica India became a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and was granted Consultative status in the same year. It ratified the Madrid Protocol in 1998 and has steadily expanded its scientific presence on the continent. India established its first permanent research station, Dakshin Gangotri, in 1983. Although it has since been decommissioned, it continues to serve as a supply base. The country also opened its first post office there in 1984. The Maitri research station was commissioned in 1989 in the Schirmacher Oasis and remains operational. India later established a freshwater lake nearby, named Lake Priyadarshini, and opened another post office at Maitri on January 26, 1990. In 2012, India commissioned the Bharati research station between Thala Fjord and Quilty Bay, about 3,000 kilometres east of Maitri. Designed to support year-round scientific research under the Indian Antarctic Programme, Bharati also houses the country's second active post office on the icy continent.

The treaty ensures Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes by banning military activities and promoting scientific cooperation, while also freezing territorial claims to prevent sovereignty disputes.

Wonderful World | Antarctic Treaty turns 65; how one pact kept an entire continent free of war

Antarctica is missing an astonishing amount of sea ice, with losses comparable to the size of France. Scientists are particularly concerned about the Bellingshausen Sea, where winter ice has failed to form as expected. The development is raising fresh questions about the pace of climate change and the stability of Earth's polar regions. As the frozen continent struggles to recover, researchers warn that the impacts could extend far beyond Antarctica, influencing weather patterns, ocean currents, and global sea levels.


Antarctica's Ice Mystery: Giant Frozen Area Disappears

We last reported that Antarctica is seeing temperatures that are 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year. Now, another report citing satellite imagery has found a notable ice gap on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Winter in the southernmost continent runs from March to October, when floating sea ice grows around it. However, satellite images show that nearly 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is yet to form as compared to the average amount of sea ice between 1991 and 2020. This ice gap is twice the size of the Indian state of Rajasthan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Will Hobbs, a sea ice-ocean interaction scientist at the University of Tasmania, has raised concern, stating that this is the third time in four years when the ice has been this low. He told The Guardian that it is highly unlikely that the ice will return. "I don't think we will see sea ice there any more. It's done."&nbsp;Three record lows have been recorded in the past decade, with the first one in 2016, then in 2022 and in 2023. However, Hobbs thinks that it is not clear if the ice loss is linked to global warming, and it is possible that changes in the ocean were a factor. But one fact remains that Antarctica has been losing a huge amount of ice. Experts say that it has become a pattern. "It's not good news. A warming world is going to have less sea ice," Edward Doddridge, a physical oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in Australia, told ABC News.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/antarctica-melts-as-temperature-soars-20-degrees-celsius-above-normal-in-june-1781518880876">Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal</a>&nbsp;The absence of sea ice triggers a dangerous domino effect. This vital ice is more than just a habitat for penguins and krill; it is a global climate regulator. It shields the ocean from sunlight, protects glacier-blocking ice shelves, and powers the critical ocean currents that are important to keep our planet's climate stable.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ice-shelf-size-of-indian-capital-city-delhi-will-detach-from-doomsday-glacier-in-2026-1779976277943">Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026</a><h2>Doomsday Glacier to lose its ice shelf in 2026</h2>A previous report in May warned that the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, will lose its ice shelf this year. Ice shelves float in the ocean while glaciers are attached to the ground. Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, confirmed that this event will most definitely happen, and 2026 is the year it could unfold. A study in March this year also stated that Thwaites will lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067.Also Read:&nbsp;<h2>Heatwave grips Antarctica</h2>&nbsp;On June 6, Antarctica felt the heat from the environment as temperatures soared as high as 15.4 degrees Celsius. This is about 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year, according to a climate professor at the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero. The year 2026 has witnessed the onset of a Super El Niño, which could bring droughts and floods to different parts of the world. &nbsp;

Antarctica is feeling weather woes as a major chunk of ice that should have formed around it this winter season has not formed. A whopping 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is missing, which is about twice the size of Rajasthan.

We last reported that Antarctica is seeing temperatures that are 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year. Now, another report citing satellite imagery has found a notable ice gap on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Winter in the southernmost continent runs from March to October, when floating sea ice grows around it. However, satellite images show that nearly 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is yet to form as compared to the average amount of sea ice between 1991 and 2020. This ice gap is twice the size of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Will Hobbs, a sea ice-ocean interaction scientist at the University of Tasmania, has raised concern, stating that this is the third time in four years when the ice has been this low. He told The Guardian that it is highly unlikely that the ice will return. "I don't think we will see sea ice there any more. It's done." Three record lows have been recorded in the past decade, with the first one in 2016, then in 2022 and in 2023. However, Hobbs thinks that it is not clear if the ice loss is linked to global warming, and it is possible that changes in the ocean were a factor. But one fact remains that Antarctica has been losing a huge amount of ice. Experts say that it has become a pattern. "It's not good news. A warming world is going to have less sea ice," Edward Doddridge, a physical oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in Australia, told ABC News. Also Read: Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal The absence of sea ice triggers a dangerous domino effect. This vital ice is more than just a habitat for penguins and krill; it is a global climate regulator. It shields the ocean from sunlight, protects glacier-blocking ice shelves, and powers the critical ocean currents that are important to keep our planet's climate stable. Also Read: Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026 Doomsday Glacier to lose its ice shelf in 2026 A previous report in May warned that the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, will lose its ice shelf this year. Ice shelves float in the ocean while glaciers are attached to the ground. Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, confirmed that this event will most definitely happen, and 2026 is the year it could unfold. A study in March this year also stated that Thwaites will lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067. Also Read: Heatwave grips Antarctica On June 6, Antarctica felt the heat from the environment as temperatures soared as high as 15.4 degrees Celsius. This is about 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year, according to a climate professor at the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero. The year 2026 has witnessed the onset of a Super El Niño, which could bring droughts and floods to different parts of the world.

Antarctica is feeling weather woes as a major chunk of ice that should have formed around it this winter season has not formed. A whopping 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is missing, which is about twice the size of Rajasthan.

Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter

Antarctica is in the grips of a heatwave as scientists recorded temperatures as high as 15.4 degrees Celsius on June 6. Guardian reported that the occurrence was witnessed by researchers stationed on the Trinity Peninsula. Climate professor at the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero, told the outlet, &nbsp;"It is also about 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year. That is a huge anomaly." The phenomenon was recorded by Chilean glaciologist Luis Muñoz and his colleague. He said that after they climbed to the top of the Collins glacier, they noticed that the temperatures were so high that "everything outside melted." &nbsp;Muñoz said that at this time, there is typically 20 cm of snow and a lot of ice on the ground. But they came across rain and precipitation warm enough to melt the surface ice.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ice-shelf-size-of-indian-capital-city-delhi-will-detach-from-doomsday-glacier-in-2026-1779976277943">Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026</a>&nbsp;This comes as Super El Niño took hold of Earth this year, which is expected to be one of the worst in over 150 years. NASA satellites spotted signs of the coming weather phenomenon and confirmed that it is certain to happen. Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said, "Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich can track massive Kelvin waves as they cross the Pacific, capture changes in Earth's ocean thermodynamics, improve forecasts of weather extremes, and help communities prepare for potential coastal hazards." Before the American space agency, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also warned that the world needs to be prepared. "The science is clear: El Niño is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90% certainty. &nbsp;The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is," it said in a statement.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-satellite-spots-strongest-sign-of-super-el-nino-confirming-all-predictions-what-to-expect-1780666935157">NASA satellite spots strongest sign of Super El Nino, confirming all predictions - What to expect?</a>&nbsp;Around June 12, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that El Niño has formed. “El Niño has developed in the tropical Pacific" and "is predicted to intensify to a moderate or strong level this fall." NOAA said in a statement, "There is a 63 per cent chance that the sea surface temperatures in the eastern Central Pacific will exceed 2 degrees Celsius above the neutral threshold", and if this happens it would be considered “a very strong El Niño.”<h2>Thwaites ‘Doomsday’ Glacier will lose its ice shelf this year</h2>&nbsp;In Antarctica, the Thwaites Glacier will lose its ice shelf this year. A report by New Scientist stated that satellite images show the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS) will soon separate from the glacier. &nbsp;Thwaites, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is the largest glacier in West Antarctica. It is about 120 kilometres wide and more than 6,500 feet wide in some places. According to a March 2026 study, it will lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067.

The coldest place on Earth is also feeling the effects of the hot weather triggered by El Niño. Scientists recorded temperatures 20 degrees Celsius above normal in early June on the Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica. This shows that a heatwave has gripped the frozen continent. 

Antarctica is in the grips of a heatwave as scientists recorded temperatures as high as 15.4 degrees Celsius on June 6. Guardian reported that the occurrence was witnessed by researchers stationed on the Trinity Peninsula. Climate professor at the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero, told the outlet, "It is also about 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year. That is a huge anomaly." The phenomenon was recorded by Chilean glaciologist Luis Muñoz and his colleague. He said that after they climbed to the top of the Collins glacier, they noticed that the temperatures were so high that "everything outside melted." Muñoz said that at this time, there is typically 20 cm of snow and a lot of ice on the ground. But they came across rain and precipitation warm enough to melt the surface ice. Also Read: Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026 This comes as Super El Niño took hold of Earth this year, which is expected to be one of the worst in over 150 years. NASA satellites spotted signs of the coming weather phenomenon and confirmed that it is certain to happen. Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said, "Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich can track massive Kelvin waves as they cross the Pacific, capture changes in Earth's ocean thermodynamics, improve forecasts of weather extremes, and help communities prepare for potential coastal hazards." Before the American space agency, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also warned that the world needs to be prepared. "The science is clear: El Niño is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90% certainty. The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is," it said in a statement. Also Read: NASA satellite spots strongest sign of Super El Nino, confirming all predictions - What to expect? Around June 12, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that El Niño has formed. “El Niño has developed in the tropical Pacific" and "is predicted to intensify to a moderate or strong level this fall." NOAA said in a statement, "There is a 63 per cent chance that the sea surface temperatures in the eastern Central Pacific will exceed 2 degrees Celsius above the neutral threshold", and if this happens it would be considered “a very strong El Niño.” Thwaites ‘Doomsday’ Glacier will lose its ice shelf this year In Antarctica, the Thwaites Glacier will lose its ice shelf this year. A report by New Scientist stated that satellite images show the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS) will soon separate from the glacier. Thwaites, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is the largest glacier in West Antarctica. It is about 120 kilometres wide and more than 6,500 feet wide in some places. According to a March 2026 study, it will lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067.

The coldest place on Earth is also feeling the effects of the hot weather triggered by El Niño. Scientists recorded temperatures 20 degrees Celsius above normal in early June on the Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica. This shows that a heatwave has gripped the frozen continent.&nbsp;

Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal

Researchers have found the presence of a vast geological formation hidden nearly two miles beneath the frigid ice of Antarctica. According to a study published in the journal Nature, the structure incorporates several well-known glacial landforms, including the Wilkes and Aurora subglacial basins in East Antarctica and Lake Vostok, the largest known subglacial lake buried beneath ice on Earth. While these features have long been studied individually, researchers have now linked them as parts of a much larger system. Named the East Antarctic Fan-shaped Basin Province, the newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Although further research is needed to confirm the findings, scientists believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-researchers-turn-discarded-udon-noodles-into-biodegradable-paper-how-it-works-1780821154114">Japanese researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper: How it works</a> To map the formation, researchers have compiled datasets from a buffet of sources that include geological observations, gravity measurements, magnetic data, and models of the Earth’s crust, among others. Those datasets led researchers to conclude that the geological feature was likely made through a process known as “distributed rotational extension,” where continental crust gradually extended outward from a central point over millions of years. “Because these basins underlie about half of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, they are likely to heavily influence both ice-flow and landscape evolution, making them essential to Antarctic glacial and hydrological processes,” the study’s authors write.

 The newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Scientists also believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change.

Researchers have found the presence of a vast geological formation hidden nearly two miles beneath the frigid ice of Antarctica. According to a study published in the journal Nature, the structure incorporates several well-known glacial landforms, including the Wilkes and Aurora subglacial basins in East Antarctica and Lake Vostok, the largest known subglacial lake buried beneath ice on Earth. While these features have long been studied individually, researchers have now linked them as parts of a much larger system. Named the East Antarctic Fan-shaped Basin Province, the newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Although further research is needed to confirm the findings, scientists believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change. Also read: Japanese researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper: How it works To map the formation, researchers have compiled datasets from a buffet of sources that include geological observations, gravity measurements, magnetic data, and models of the Earth’s crust, among others. Those datasets led researchers to conclude that the geological feature was likely made through a process known as “distributed rotational extension,” where continental crust gradually extended outward from a central point over millions of years. “Because these basins underlie about half of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, they are likely to heavily influence both ice-flow and landscape evolution, making them essential to Antarctic glacial and hydrological processes,” the study’s authors write.

&nbsp;The newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Scientists also believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change.

Scientists discover vast geological structure hidden beneath Antarctica's ice

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is set to lose its ice shelf this year. It is already the most vulnerable body of ice in the world, and its downfall could cause global sea levels to rise by 2.1 feet. New Scientist reported, citing satellite images, that the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS) will soon separate from the glacier. Ice shelves are different from glaciers in the sense that the latter are attached to the ground. Ice shelves float in the sea and are attached to the glacier, acting as a buttress and stopping the ice from the glacier from flowing into the sea. According to Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, this event of grave consequences will most likely happen in 2026. He is in charge of the UK arm of the science coordination office at the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. "The last bit of ice shelf in front of the glacier is poised to disintegrate," he told Live Science. He added that they don't know how it will happen, but it most definitely will.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-drilled-3-300-feet-deep-into-doomsday-glacier-thwaites-1770284941763">Scientists drilled 3,300 feet deep into Doomsday Glacier. It wasn't enough</a>&nbsp;Thwaites Glacier is the largest glacier in West Antarctica, and measures about 120 kilometres across its ocean front. It is more than 6,500 feet wide in some places. Its immense width and volume have led to it being named the Doomsday Glacier because it has been losing hundreds of billions of tonnes of ice since the 1980s. The warm ocean water underneath it is affecting its structural integrity as the glacier is melting from its base. Thwaites has retreated around 20 km since 1992. The movement on the side where the ice is breaking away has nearly doubled over the last eight months, Larter said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-gets-closer-cracks-on-thwaites-glacier-have-doubled-in-two-decades-1766981007538">Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades</a>&nbsp;A study published March 9 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters noted that global warming could cause it to lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067. While Thwaites itself will cause major damage to coastlines, its collapse would make the rest of the ice sheet vulnerable as well. British Antarctic Survey estimates that if the entire ice sheet slips into the ocean, sea levels would rise by 10.8 feet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a><h2>Glacial earthquakes hit Thwaites</h2>A series of earthquakes over 13 years has also shaken Thwaites, adding to fears that it could collapse. Thanh-Son Pham, a researcher at the Australian National University, found that hundreds of iceberg earthquakes have jolted it between 2010 and 2023. The study published in Geophysical Research Letters stated that 362 glacial earthquakes were reported in Antarctica in over a decade, and 245 of them occurred in Doomsday Glacier.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomsday-thwaites-glacier-camp-study-melting-1769681591672">Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters</a>&nbsp;Another team of researchers from the University of Manitoba stated that more cracks are forming in one zone. &nbsp;"Over the past two decades, the shelf has experienced progressive fracturing around a prominent shear zone upstream of its pinning point, gradually compromising its structural integrity," they wrote.&nbsp;

Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica will lose its ice shelf in 2026, paving the way for a major climate catastrophe to widen. The glacier has been losing tonnes of ice for nearly 50 years, and when this shelf detaches itself, global sea levels could become the casualty.

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is set to lose its ice shelf this year. It is already the most vulnerable body of ice in the world, and its downfall could cause global sea levels to rise by 2.1 feet. New Scientist reported, citing satellite images, that the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS) will soon separate from the glacier. Ice shelves are different from glaciers in the sense that the latter are attached to the ground. Ice shelves float in the sea and are attached to the glacier, acting as a buttress and stopping the ice from the glacier from flowing into the sea. According to Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, this event of grave consequences will most likely happen in 2026. He is in charge of the UK arm of the science coordination office at the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. "The last bit of ice shelf in front of the glacier is poised to disintegrate," he told Live Science. He added that they don't know how it will happen, but it most definitely will. Also Read: Scientists drilled 3,300 feet deep into Doomsday Glacier. It wasn't enough Thwaites Glacier is the largest glacier in West Antarctica, and measures about 120 kilometres across its ocean front. It is more than 6,500 feet wide in some places. Its immense width and volume have led to it being named the Doomsday Glacier because it has been losing hundreds of billions of tonnes of ice since the 1980s. The warm ocean water underneath it is affecting its structural integrity as the glacier is melting from its base. Thwaites has retreated around 20 km since 1992. The movement on the side where the ice is breaking away has nearly doubled over the last eight months, Larter said. Also Read: Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades A study published March 9 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters noted that global warming could cause it to lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067. While Thwaites itself will cause major damage to coastlines, its collapse would make the rest of the ice sheet vulnerable as well. British Antarctic Survey estimates that if the entire ice sheet slips into the ocean, sea levels would rise by 10.8 feet. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier Glacial earthquakes hit Thwaites A series of earthquakes over 13 years has also shaken Thwaites, adding to fears that it could collapse. Thanh-Son Pham, a researcher at the Australian National University, found that hundreds of iceberg earthquakes have jolted it between 2010 and 2023. The study published in Geophysical Research Letters stated that 362 glacial earthquakes were reported in Antarctica in over a decade, and 245 of them occurred in Doomsday Glacier. Also Read: Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters Another team of researchers from the University of Manitoba stated that more cracks are forming in one zone. "Over the past two decades, the shelf has experienced progressive fracturing around a prominent shear zone upstream of its pinning point, gradually compromising its structural integrity," they wrote.

Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica will lose its ice shelf in 2026, paving the way for a major climate catastrophe to widen. The glacier has been losing tonnes of ice for nearly 50 years, and when this shelf detaches itself, global sea levels could become the casualty.

Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026

A tank with 9,000 litres of winter diesel is believed to have sunk into the sea in Antarctica. The German-operated Neumayer Station III lost several tankers containing supplies, special gear, gas cylinders and batteries after the huge slab of ice they were sitting on drifted away following a violent storm in January. Seven containers resting on the ice sheet were waiting to be loaded onto a ship, with one other container serving as accommodation for crew members exploring the Antarctic region. But a blizzard slammed the station earlier this year. When it ended, the German team noticed that the containers were missing. The research icebreaker Polarstern found that the ice sheet had drifted 140 kilometres from its original location. A recovery operation was launched to recover the fuel and batteries using a helicopter.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a>&nbsp;However, the ice sheet was unstable and stalled the operation. That was the end of it, as it failed to show up in satellite images a month later, leading the German researchers to conclude that it had likely broken apart. All the containers are sitting on the seabed, including the one with 9,000 litres of diesel. This has triggered fears of an environmental disaster in the region. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting said earlier this month that the container is "assumed to have been either damaged by falling into the sea or exploded on its way to the seabed." It added, "In either case, the fuel is likely to have leaked out." The incident has led to new measures being put in place to ensure containers are not lost in this manner in the future. They are required to be kept at least 5 kilometres from the edge, with the ice sheet closely monitored.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-mountain-range-ran-through-india-and-antarctica-150-million-years-ago-1779099301643">Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago</a><h2>Antarctica ice sheet is at risk of rapid melting, which could raise sea levels by 190ft</h2>The ice shelves in Antarctica are rapidly melting, scientists have warned, leading to fears that global sea levels could rise by several feet. These ice shelves are floating extensions of the continental ice sheet and not attached to the bedrock. They play a critical role in stabilising the global climate by slowing down the flow of inland glaciers into the ocean. Deep channel–like grooves are trapping warm ocean water under the ice, melting it 10 times faster than normal. This has threatened the structural integrity of the shelves, and their collapse could cause gigatonnes of ice to release into the ocean. Scientists have estimated that if this happens, sea levels could rise by a staggering 190ft.&nbsp;

Several containers carrying supplies went down into the sea in Antarctica after an ice sheet broke apart following a storm. One of them was filled with 9,000 litres of diesel. The operation to save the containers failed, and later the ice sheet did not show up in satellite images.

A tank with 9,000 litres of winter diesel is believed to have sunk into the sea in Antarctica. The German-operated Neumayer Station III lost several tankers containing supplies, special gear, gas cylinders and batteries after the huge slab of ice they were sitting on drifted away following a violent storm in January. Seven containers resting on the ice sheet were waiting to be loaded onto a ship, with one other container serving as accommodation for crew members exploring the Antarctic region. But a blizzard slammed the station earlier this year. When it ended, the German team noticed that the containers were missing. The research icebreaker Polarstern found that the ice sheet had drifted 140 kilometres from its original location. A recovery operation was launched to recover the fuel and batteries using a helicopter. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier However, the ice sheet was unstable and stalled the operation. That was the end of it, as it failed to show up in satellite images a month later, leading the German researchers to conclude that it had likely broken apart. All the containers are sitting on the seabed, including the one with 9,000 litres of diesel. This has triggered fears of an environmental disaster in the region. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting said earlier this month that the container is "assumed to have been either damaged by falling into the sea or exploded on its way to the seabed." It added, "In either case, the fuel is likely to have leaked out." The incident has led to new measures being put in place to ensure containers are not lost in this manner in the future. They are required to be kept at least 5 kilometres from the edge, with the ice sheet closely monitored. Also Read: Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago Antarctica ice sheet is at risk of rapid melting, which could raise sea levels by 190ft The ice shelves in Antarctica are rapidly melting, scientists have warned, leading to fears that global sea levels could rise by several feet. These ice shelves are floating extensions of the continental ice sheet and not attached to the bedrock. They play a critical role in stabilising the global climate by slowing down the flow of inland glaciers into the ocean. Deep channel–like grooves are trapping warm ocean water under the ice, melting it 10 times faster than normal. This has threatened the structural integrity of the shelves, and their collapse could cause gigatonnes of ice to release into the ocean. Scientists have estimated that if this happens, sea levels could rise by a staggering 190ft.

Several containers carrying supplies went down into the sea in Antarctica after an ice sheet broke apart following a storm. One of them was filled with 9,000 litres of diesel. The operation to save the containers failed, and later the ice sheet did not show up in satellite images.

9,000 litres of diesel sinks in Antarctica after ice sheet with 7 containers drifts and breaks apart

A team of international researchers have found proof that India and Antarctica were once joined together. Scientists from Presidency University (Kolkata, India), the Queensland University of Technology (Australia), the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (Thiruvananthapuram, India), and the Korea Polar Research Institute (Republic of Korea) carried out a geological study of ancient metamorphic rocks in Andhra Pradesh. They found that the rocks in the state share the exact same age, chemical signatures, mineral composition, and three-stage geological history as those found in East Antarctica. Eastern India and Antarctica were once fused together and formed a single, massive ancient mountain belt known as the Rayner-Eastern Ghats orogen. Millions of years later, the supercontinent Gondwana split, separating them.<h2>Similar rocks found in India and Antarctica</h2>The study involved the analysis of granulite rocks, which carry highly durable minerals like zircon, garnet, and monazite. The scientists measured the radioactive decay of uranium and lead within the zircon crystals and were able to map out a precise timeline dating back hundreds of millions to a billion years. This is because these rocks act as "time capsules" or "geological clocks" as they are formed under intense heat and pressure. Prof Sankar Bose, the lead researcher, said, "Zircon is renowned for its durability under extreme heat and pressure, which can obliterate other minerals. Due to this robust nature, zircon acts as a tiny time capsule within these rocks."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/lost-continent-discovered-under-antarctica-and-india-8872820">Pieces of lost continent found under Antarctica and India point to one thing</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctic-cosmic-dust-proves-earth-has-been-traversing-through-supernova-debris-for-80-000-years-1778588358806">Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years</a>&nbsp;Professor Bose said that the three major stages of geological history that have already been identified in East Antarctica were also found in these granulites in Andhra Pradesh. The first stage was recorded around 1,000 to 990 million years ago. At this time, a major continental collision led to the formation of a mountain range, subjecting the rocks to a whopping heat of 1,000 degrees Celsius. The second stage occurred between 950 and 890 million years ago and was marked by more heat and pressure. The third stage, between 570 and 540 million years ago, was what actually sealed the deal. During this time. mineral-rich fluids flowed through these rocks and left a distinct signature in the cracks, which is present in rocks in India and Antarctica.&nbsp;This mammoth mountain range between India and Antarctica existed until supercontinent Gondwana started splitting apart roughly 130 to 150 million years ago. Asia moved north, while Antarctica drifted southwards, becoming the cold and harsh continent it is known as today.<h2>Continental plates found under Antarctica</h2>This is not the first study to link India and Antarctica. A study published in Scientific Reports in March last year stated that ancient continental plates lie beneath Antarctica, Australia and India, proving that East Antarctica was once joined to the two countries. “In East Antarctica, we see an exciting mosaic of geological features that reveal fundamental similarities and differences between the crust beneath Antarctica and other continents it was joined to until 160 million years ago,” co-author Fausto Ferraccioli said.

Antarctica and India were connected millions of years ago as part of Gondwana, forming a huge mountain range that split apart millions of years ago. Traces of a rock similar to both regions have been discovered in an southers Indian state.

A team of international researchers have found proof that India and Antarctica were once joined together. Scientists from Presidency University (Kolkata, India), the Queensland University of Technology (Australia), the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (Thiruvananthapuram, India), and the Korea Polar Research Institute (Republic of Korea) carried out a geological study of ancient metamorphic rocks in Andhra Pradesh. They found that the rocks in the state share the exact same age, chemical signatures, mineral composition, and three-stage geological history as those found in East Antarctica. Eastern India and Antarctica were once fused together and formed a single, massive ancient mountain belt known as the Rayner-Eastern Ghats orogen. Millions of years later, the supercontinent Gondwana split, separating them. Similar rocks found in India and Antarctica The study involved the analysis of granulite rocks, which carry highly durable minerals like zircon, garnet, and monazite. The scientists measured the radioactive decay of uranium and lead within the zircon crystals and were able to map out a precise timeline dating back hundreds of millions to a billion years. This is because these rocks act as "time capsules" or "geological clocks" as they are formed under intense heat and pressure. Prof Sankar Bose, the lead researcher, said, "Zircon is renowned for its durability under extreme heat and pressure, which can obliterate other minerals. Due to this robust nature, zircon acts as a tiny time capsule within these rocks."

Antarctica and India were connected millions of years ago as part of Gondwana, forming a huge mountain range that split apart millions of years ago. Traces of a rock similar to both regions have been discovered in an southers Indian state.

Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago

Scientists have found an iron isotope inside Antarctic ice that could have only come from a cosmic event, such as a supernova explosion. This discovery shows that our planet likely passed through an interstellar cloud of supernova dust, and when this happened, the rare iron isotopes got embedded in the Antarctic ice and froze for thousands of years. A team of scientists led by nuclear astrophysicist Dominik Koll of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in Germany is behind the discovery of this dust from a dead star. The iron-60 found frozen inside ice cores is believed to be 40,000 to 81,000 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Antarctic ice sheet has turned into a vault filled with valuable information about the history of Earth. It formed over 35 million years, meaning each layer is hiding particles from different times in the lifespan of our planet. Scientists drill through the ice and pull out vertical cylinders, revealing the atmospheric changes over millions of years. The research has been published in Physical Review Letters.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-unleashes-m-class-solar-flare-auroras-could-light-up-earth-this-week-details-1778572341489">Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth this week. Details</a><h2>The "Iron-60" Connection</h2>Iron-60 is not formed on Earth and needs extreme conditions, such as supernova explosions, to be formed. The researchers said that Earth possibly caught this isotope when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago. However, it only has a half-life of 2.6 million years, and all of it would have decayed in about 15 million years. This means that the latest discovery is much newer and from an event that happened long after Earth was born. Scientists say that the existence of Iron-60 in ocean sediments and in snowfall hints at an occurrence where our planet moved through supernova debris, and it is possible that it is still traversing through it.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/may-2026-blue-moon-guide-dates-times-and-fascinating-facts-about-the-rare-lunar-occurrence-1778052973599">May 2026 Blue Moon: Dates, times, and the one thing you get wrong about it</a><h2>Key takeaway from the discovery</h2>Koll and his team dug deep into the ice and gathered 295 kilograms of Antarctic ice. They analysed the samples to look for iron-60 atoms. They melted the ice and counted the extracted iron-60 atoms. They found a higher concentration of iron-60, which can be attributed to the cosmic rays that slam into Earth. This showed that some of it came from the universe. However, what stood out was the concentration of iron-60 in ice from tens of thousands of years ago.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milky-way-wormhole-massive-tunnel-to-another-part-of-universe-hidden-in-our-own-galaxy-1778476379808">Milky Way's wormhole: Massive tunnel to another part of universe hidden in our own galaxy</a>&nbsp;It was found to be significantly lower than the concentration in snow from the past few decades. Scientists say that the solar system is journeying through a region called the Local Interstellar Cloud, consisting of gas, dust, and plasma. It is believed to have come from a supernova; hence, this cosmic dust is likely raining on the planet.&nbsp;

Earth is being showered with supernova debris as the solar system moves through an interstellar cloud. Antarctic ice has captured cosmic particles, and an iron isotope, which also reveals the age of these particles and how long we have been traversing through this dust.   

Scientists have found an iron isotope inside Antarctic ice that could have only come from a cosmic event, such as a supernova explosion. This discovery shows that our planet likely passed through an interstellar cloud of supernova dust, and when this happened, the rare iron isotopes got embedded in the Antarctic ice and froze for thousands of years. A team of scientists led by nuclear astrophysicist Dominik Koll of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in Germany is behind the discovery of this dust from a dead star. The iron-60 found frozen inside ice cores is believed to be 40,000 to 81,000 years old. The Antarctic ice sheet has turned into a vault filled with valuable information about the history of Earth. It formed over 35 million years, meaning each layer is hiding particles from different times in the lifespan of our planet. Scientists drill through the ice and pull out vertical cylinders, revealing the atmospheric changes over millions of years. The research has been published in Physical Review Letters. Also Read: Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth this week. Details The "Iron-60" Connection Iron-60 is not formed on Earth and needs extreme conditions, such as supernova explosions, to be formed. The researchers said that Earth possibly caught this isotope when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago. However, it only has a half-life of 2.6 million years, and all of it would have decayed in about 15 million years. This means that the latest discovery is much newer and from an event that happened long after Earth was born. Scientists say that the existence of Iron-60 in ocean sediments and in snowfall hints at an occurrence where our planet moved through supernova debris, and it is possible that it is still traversing through it. Also Read: May 2026 Blue Moon: Dates, times, and the one thing you get wrong about it Key takeaway from the discovery Koll and his team dug deep into the ice and gathered 295 kilograms of Antarctic ice. They analysed the samples to look for iron-60 atoms. They melted the ice and counted the extracted iron-60 atoms. They found a higher concentration of iron-60, which can be attributed to the cosmic rays that slam into Earth. This showed that some of it came from the universe. However, what stood out was the concentration of iron-60 in ice from tens of thousands of years ago. Also Read: Milky Way's wormhole: Massive tunnel to another part of universe hidden in our own galaxy It was found to be significantly lower than the concentration in snow from the past few decades. Scientists say that the solar system is journeying through a region called the Local Interstellar Cloud, consisting of gas, dust, and plasma. It is believed to have come from a supernova; hence, this cosmic dust is likely raining on the planet.

Earth is being showered with supernova debris as the solar system moves through an interstellar cloud. Antarctic ice has captured cosmic particles, and an iron isotope, which also reveals the age of these particles and how long we have been traversing through this dust. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years

You must have seen these adorable penguins in the animated films Madagascar or Happy Feet. Playful, clever, and impossible to forget. But in the real world, their distant cousin in Antarctica is facing a serious fight for survival. We are talking about the emperor penguin.

Antarctica’s Icon Faces Extinction Threat

Emperor penguins face being wiped out as rising temperatures continue to melt sea ice. Numbers of Antarctica's largest sea bird will decline slowly until about 2040 and then plunge steeply if the continent carries on warming at the same rate. Some existing 3,000 mating pairs could fall to as few as 500 by 2100.


Ice Collapse Raises Penguin Survival Concerns

A rare sighting of the elusive phantom jellyfish has been reported in the deep waters of the Antarctic, revealing one of the ocean’s most mysterious predators. Scientists and explorers say the translucent creature, known for its ghost‑like appearance and deep‑sea habitat, offers new insights into marine biodiversity and the ecological wonders of the polar seas.


Antarctic Deep Sea Yields Rare Phantom Jellyfish Sighting

Scientists have reported a rare deep-sea encounter featuring the elusive phantom jellyfish alongside a shark spotted in extreme ocean depths. The unusual sightings have drawn attention within the research community, offering fresh insight into little-explored marine ecosystems. Deep-sea discoveries continue to reveal unexpected life forms thriving in some of Earth’s most hostile environments.


Rare Sighting of Phantom Jellyfish in Deep Sea; Shark Stuns Scientists in Frozen Abyss | WION

Rare Phantom Jellyfish Spotted in Antarctic Deep Sea Waters

Rare Sighting of Phantom Jellyfish in Deep Sea | Antarctic Waters Reveal Hidden Predator

Scientists have discovered the reason behind dramatic 420-foot drops in sea levels in Antarctica. The research sheds light on historical ice sheet fluctuations, climate patterns, and geological factors, providing crucial insights into past climate change and helping predict future impacts on global sea levels and environmental stability.


The Secret Void Beneath Antarctica, Satellites Uncover Earth's Gravitational Scar

Scientists have uncovered the origins of Antarctica's mysterious “gravity hole”. A vast anomaly where sea levels sit dramatically lower than the global average. Scientists say this is linked to ancient tectonic shifts deep inside Earth, this hidden force is reshaping how we understand gravity, oceans and the planet’s dynamic interior.


Antarctica's Massive Gravity Hole  | Watch Why Sea Levels Drop 420 Feet!

Gravity isn't the same everywhere on Earth. In one place under Antarctica, it is so weak that a gravity hole has formed. This point is also extremely strong at the same time, and this happened over tens of millions of years. Inside our planet, where the material is dense, the tug of gravity is stronger, and where the mass is less, the pull is weaker. Under the frozen continent lies the weakest such point. This weak gravity hole has strengethed and could have contributed to freezing Antarctica. Scientists from the University of Florida say in a study that the Antarctic Geoid Low (AGL) evolved slowly. It has become a major force and likely shaped Earth's climate, creating the Antarctic ice sheets. In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers analysed this Gravity Hole and discovered that it has strengthened over the last 70 million years and is a force that dictates Earth’s global climate. The team created computer models of shifting rocks, which put the timeline between 50 and 30 million years ago. This period coincides with glaciation in Antarctica.<h2>Are Antarctica's climate and gravity hole linked?&nbsp;</h2>Gravity also shapes the oceans. Because of this gravity hole, the sea surface around Antarctica is slightly lower relative to Earth’s centre. The Antarctic Geoid Low anomaly has been known for several years, with satellite missions tracing it. But scientists do not know how it formed or whether there is a link between Antarctica's climate and the hole. They used global earthquake data and advanced physics modelling to analyse the gravity hole. "If we can better understand how Earth’s interior shapes gravity and sea levels, we gain insight into factors that may matter for the growth and stability of large ice sheets,” Alessandro Forte, PhD, a professor of geophysics at the University of Florida and co-author of the new study.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-robot-got-lost-in-antarctica-it-revealed-scary-secrets-from-underneath-another-glacier-1766997802759">A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier</a>&nbsp;Seismic waves were used like a CT scan to measure Earth's three-dimensional structure. “Imagine doing a CT scan of the whole Earth, but we don’t have X-rays as we do in a medical office. We have earthquakes. Earthquake waves provide the ‘light’ that illuminates the interior of the planet,” Forte said. The method helped researchers reconstruct the density of the rock beneath Antarctica and calculate the gravity field. They then ran the model backwards through geological time to understand how mantle material rearranged over millions of years. They noted that the gravitational low was weaker, but between 50 and 30 million years ago, it started becoming stronger. This is when large ice sheets started to form in Antarctica.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a23a-world-s-largest-iceberg-on-the-move-for-40-years-on-the-verge-of-vanishing-1768818311512">NASA images show world's largest iceberg, on the move for 40 years, on the verge of vanishing</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/fossils-reveal-temperate-antarctica-90-million-years-ago-1769570477092/embed&nbsp;The data did not show that this caused the ice to grow. However, it proves that deep-Earth processes affected sea level, the height of the continent and boundary conditions that affected ice-sheet stability. &nbsp;

Why is Antarctica frozen? It is in the polar region, which is one explanation. But something deep underneath the continent could have also played a role in turning Antarctica into a frozen continent. It is a gravity hole that changed over millions of years. 

Gravity isn't the same everywhere on Earth. In one place under Antarctica, it is so weak that a gravity hole has formed. This point is also extremely strong at the same time, and this happened over tens of millions of years. Inside our planet, where the material is dense, the tug of gravity is stronger, and where the mass is less, the pull is weaker. Under the frozen continent lies the weakest such point. This weak gravity hole has strengethed and could have contributed to freezing Antarctica. Scientists from the University of Florida say in a study that the Antarctic Geoid Low (AGL) evolved slowly. It has become a major force and likely shaped Earth's climate, creating the Antarctic ice sheets. In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers analysed this Gravity Hole and discovered that it has strengthened over the last 70 million years and is a force that dictates Earth’s global climate. The team created computer models of shifting rocks, which put the timeline between 50 and 30 million years ago. This period coincides with glaciation in Antarctica. Are Antarctica's climate and gravity hole linked? Gravity also shapes the oceans. Because of this gravity hole, the sea surface around Antarctica is slightly lower relative to Earth’s centre. The Antarctic Geoid Low anomaly has been known for several years, with satellite missions tracing it. But scientists do not know how it formed or whether there is a link between Antarctica's climate and the hole. They used global earthquake data and advanced physics modelling to analyse the gravity hole. "If we can better understand how Earth’s interior shapes gravity and sea levels, we gain insight into factors that may matter for the growth and stability of large ice sheets,” Alessandro Forte, PhD, a professor of geophysics at the University of Florida and co-author of the new study. Also Read: A robot got lost in Antarctica. It revealed scary secrets from underneath another glacier Seismic waves were used like a CT scan to measure Earth's three-dimensional structure. “Imagine doing a CT scan of the whole Earth, but we don’t have X-rays as we do in a medical office. We have earthquakes. Earthquake waves provide the ‘light’ that illuminates the interior of the planet,” Forte said. The method helped researchers reconstruct the density of the rock beneath Antarctica and calculate the gravity field. They then ran the model backwards through geological time to understand how mantle material rearranged over millions of years. They noted that the gravitational low was weaker, but between 50 and 30 million years ago, it started becoming stronger. This is when large ice sheets started to form in Antarctica. Also Read: NASA images show world's largest iceberg, on the move for 40 years, on the verge of vanishing https://www.wionews.com/videos/fossils-reveal-temperate-antarctica-90-million-years-ago-1769570477092/embed The data did not show that this caused the ice to grow. However, it proves that deep-Earth processes affected sea level, the height of the continent and boundary conditions that affected ice-sheet stability.

Why is Antarctica frozen? It is in the polar region, which is one explanation. But something deep underneath the continent could have also played a role in turning Antarctica into a frozen continent. It is a gravity hole that changed over millions of years.&nbsp;

Weakest gravity point under Antarctica is also immensely strong, and likely froze the continent

Imagine a great, green rainforest thriving inside the icy land that exists today. It might sound like science fiction, but research shows that Antarctica was once warm enough to host temperate rainforests near the South Pole about 90 million years ago.

Scientists Find Fossil Evidence of Rainforests in Antarctica

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A81 covers1,340 sq km, about size of greater London

Two icebergs from Antarctica on collision course with British island

Indian scientists reveal what caused a hole the size of Portugal in Antarctica

40-foot waves crash into cruise ship in dangerous stretch near Antarctica. Watch

90mn years ago, 900 km from South Pole: When wildfires ripped Antarctica

11 trillion tons of ice has vanished from Greenland and Antarctica

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica

Rs 5,933 crore, 1,600km undersea cable route can connect Antarctica to the world

Ancient microbes found under ice | 'Blood falls' turns red with rust, colour not caused by algae

'Blood Falls' turns red with rust, colour not caused by algae

Scientists find ancient life forms trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls

Ancient Bible sparks Antarctica theory: Are fallen angels imprisoned below ice?

Antarctic Treaty turns 65; how one pact kept an entire continent free of war

Antarctica's Ice Mystery: Giant Frozen Area Disappears

Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter

Antarctica 'melts' as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal in June