Story perspectives

Revealed: Antarctica's Hidden Terrain Fuels Sea-Level Rise

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Imaging technology has revealed the rugged landscape beneath Antarctica's ice, including mountains, valleys, and gorges.
The Bedmap2 dataset, created by NASA and the British Antarctic Survey, shows that beneath Byrd Glacier the terrain drops 2,870 meters (9,416 feet) below sea level.
This subglacial terrain influences how glaciers flow and melt, affecting global sea-level rise.
Oceans are rising by about 4 millimeters annually due to melting ice sheets.

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Story summary

Imaging technology has revealed the rugged landscape beneath Antarctica's ice, including mountains, valleys, and gorges.
The Bedmap2 dataset, created by NASA and the British Antarctic Survey, shows that beneath Byrd Glacier the terrain drops 2,870 meters (9,416 feet) below sea level.
This subglacial terrain influences how glaciers flow and melt, affecting global sea-level rise.
Oceans are rising by about 4 millimeters annually due to melting ice sheets.