Thousands of amphipods living under the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica have been unexpectedly discovered by New Zealand oceanographers from the National Institute for Aquatic and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in Auckland and other research centres. They told the publication about their discovery. Guard.
In satellite images of the Larsen Glacier, scientists discovered an unusual trough they had previously identified as an underground river. To better examine the find, the experts dug a hot water-filled hole with a hose about 500m below the ice surface and lowered the camera into it. Due to the strong fluctuations, the scientists first thought the camera was faulty, but then realized that a large number of amphipod colonies were caught in the frame.
“The fact that all these animals are swimming around our room clearly means that an important ecosystem process is going on there. The discovery of a hidden structure overflowing with crustaceans has literally made the team jump with joy,” said oceanographer Craig Stevens.
The researchers also found that the water column in the river splits into several separate layers flowing in different directions.
Scientists hope that further observations will allow us to learn more about the life of the underwater inhabitants of Antarctic glaciers. They are also concerned about how such ecosystems will be affected by climate change.