A vast, ancient landscape, untouched for over 34 million years, has been discovered beneath a mile of ice in East Antarctica's Wilkes Land.
Satellite data and ice-penetrating radar revealed a world of rivers, forests, and possibly even palm trees, spanning over 12,000 square miles, roughly the size of Maryland. This landscape provides a glimpse into Antarctica before it was covered by ice, with evidence of a warmer climate and diverse ecosystems. The discovery offers valuable insights into the continent's geological history and the impact of climate change over millions of years.
This 'cold-based' ice sheet has preserved the landscape in remarkable detail, offering a rare window into Antarctica's deep past, before ice claimed the continent.