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Life Discovered Beneath Antarctic Ice Shelf After Iceberg Breakaway

Why in the News ?

Scientists have found thriving ecosystems beneath Antarctica’s George VI Ice Shelf, exposed after the A-84 iceberg (510 sq km) broke away on January 13. Using a remotely operated submersible, researchers discovered new marine species, including giant sea spiders, octopi, and corals.

About the new discovery beneath Antarctic Ice:

• Scientists explored the seafloor exposed by the A-84 iceberg, which is 510 sq. km in size (2.5 times Kolkata).
• A remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) explored the site on January 25, capturing images, videos, and collecting samples.
• This mission was part of Challenger 150, a UNESCO-endorsed global deep-sea research initiative.
• The discovery provides valuable insights into ecosystem functioning beneath Antarctic ice shelves.

Unexpected Thriving Ecosystem:

• Scientists used ROV SuBastian to study the seafloor for eight days, reaching depths of 1,300 meters.
• They found large corals, sponges, icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopi, along with a giant phantom jellyfish and vase-shaped sponges that might be hundreds of years old.
• Scientists were surprised to see a thriving ecosystem, as these areas have been covered by 150-meter-thick ice for centuries.

Mystery of Survival Under Ice:

• Typically, deep-sea life depends on photosynthetic nutrients from the surface, which are blocked by the thick ice.
• Scientists believe ocean currents, glacial meltwater, or other factors may be transporting nutrients to sustain these organisms.
• The mechanism behind this survival remains unknown, requiring further research.