The secrets of glaciers exposed

2001/03/20 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Ingeniaritza
• Geologia

The surface of the West Antarctic ice sheet investigated is larger than that of the United States and Mexico, and along the four excavated holes an ice probe has been introduced at 1,200 meters depth. Under the ice they have seen the streams, and the glaciers are transported much faster than expected. Scientists say they have been able to obtain high-value information about the geological history of the icy continent.

Previous studies showed that when the glacier melts markedly, influence is perceived at the global sea level. The ice runoff from the continent to the sea has now been better analyzed. The investigation has been carried out in the area called "Ice Stream C", where 150 years ago ice stopped flowing sharply in a certain area. Along the glacier they lowered a probe with two cameras and light and could see the water system at the bottom of the ice. In some areas the flooded section had a height of 1.4 meters.

On the other hand, the researchers were very surprised by the location of the rocks and found remains. Until then it was considered that the residues in the ice were not at a height greater than two meters from the bottom. However, according to measurements made by the ice probe, these rocks and residues were 26 meters from the bottom. The probe showed the presence of layers in the ice. According to the researchers, the current, ice and rock fragments were frozen at once. Due to the continuous movement of the ice current, the water could penetrate under the rocks and, when frozen, the rocks would remain in the upper layers.

In addition, biological sensors can be attached to the probe so that they can be found alive in the Antarctic ice sheet. In fact, it is known that under mountain glaciers there are microorganisms, since there the temperature is warmer and there are food trapped in water crystals.

This study, carried out now, has been a step forward in conducting studies on other planets and, in addition, have obtained information to understand the data of the studies of the moon Europe, Mars and other layers of earth ice.