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New Antarctic Seabed Map Reveals 332 Deep Canyons

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Barcelona and University College Cork produced a map of the Antarctic seabed, identifying 332 canyons.
Some canyons exceed 4 kilometers in depth and shape ocean circulation and glacier melting.
Canyons in East Antarctica are branched and U-shaped, while those in West Antarctica are shorter and V-shaped.
The findings show these features drive water mass exchange and accelerate ice shelf melting, contributing to rising sea levels.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of Barcelona and University College Cork produced a map of the Antarctic seabed, identifying 332 canyons.
Some canyons exceed 4 kilometers in depth and shape ocean circulation and glacier melting.
Canyons in East Antarctica are branched and U-shaped, while those in West Antarctica are shorter and V-shaped.
The findings show these features drive water mass exchange and accelerate ice shelf melting, contributing to rising sea levels.