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332 New Antarctic Submarine Canyons Discovered, Impacting Climate

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists identified 332 submarine canyons beneath Antarctica, five times more than earlier estimates.
Led by David Amblàs and Riccardo Arosio, the team used the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean.
These canyons affect ocean currents, facilitating Antarctic Bottom Water flow and warmer water erosion of ice shelves.
East Antarctica has wide U-shaped canyons, while West Antarctica features short, jagged V-shaped canyons, indicating age differences.
Enhanced mapping is crucial for accurate climate models and understanding ice melt rates, impacting global climate and coastal conditions.

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Story summary

Scientists identified 332 submarine canyons beneath Antarctica, five times more than earlier estimates.
Led by David Amblàs and Riccardo Arosio, the team used the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean.
These canyons affect ocean currents, facilitating Antarctic Bottom Water flow and warmer water erosion of ice shelves.
East Antarctica has wide U-shaped canyons, while West Antarctica features short, jagged V-shaped canyons, indicating age differences.
Enhanced mapping is crucial for accurate climate models and understanding ice melt rates, impacting global climate and coastal conditions.