2023 radar study reveals ancient river drainage network beneath East Antarctica. 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.

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.