2023 radar study reveals ancient river drainage network beneath East Antarctica

June 30, 2026Remote Sensing

Source: An Insane Discovery Was Just Found Beneath Antarctica by Michael Button

A 2023 research team published findings from radar surveys mapping a preserved drainage network of river valleys and tributaries stretching hundreds of kilometers beneath East Antarctica. These features were carved by rivers on a warm surface, now buried under ice for at least 14 million years. The ice preserves what was lost! 🗺️❄️

Key facts

In 2023, a research team published findings from radar surveys covering a vast section of East Antarctica.
The surveys mapped a preserved drainage network of river valleys and tributaries stretching across hundreds of kilometers.
The landscape was shaped by flowing water on a surface that has not seen sunlight in at least 14 million years.
The features were formed by rivers that flowed on a warm, exposed surface before the ice sheet formed.