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85 New Subglacial Lakes Discovered in Antarctica

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified 85 new subglacial lakes in Antarctica, increasing the total to 231, using ESA’s CryoSat satellite data.
The study published in Nature Communications revealed five new interconnected drainage networks.
CryoSat's radar altimeter tracked ice surface changes, showing lake filling and draining cycles.
Lead author Sally Wilson highlighted the challenge of observing these cycles, with only 48 documented globally.
Subglacial meltwater decreases friction, accelerating ice movement into the ocean and affecting sea level rise.

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Story summary

Researchers identified 85 new subglacial lakes in Antarctica, increasing the total to 231, using ESA’s CryoSat satellite data.
The study published in Nature Communications revealed five new interconnected drainage networks.
CryoSat's radar altimeter tracked ice surface changes, showing lake filling and draining cycles.
Lead author Sally Wilson highlighted the challenge of observing these cycles, with only 48 documented globally.
Subglacial meltwater decreases friction, accelerating ice movement into the ocean and affecting sea level rise.