Scientists have discovered a cluster of 91 volcanoes underneath the ice caps of West Antarctica, some of which are over 12,600ft (3,850m) tall.
The study, undertaken by the University of Edinburgh, has now located a total of 138 volcanoes in a rejoin called the West Antarctic Rift System. It's not known whether these are active or dormant.
Geologists and ice experts say the range has similarities to east Africa's volcanic ridge, currently thought to be "the densest concentration of volcanoes in the world," reports The Independent.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The scientists analysed the shape of the land below the ice sheets using "ice-penetrating radar", the website says. They then compared the findings with "satellite and database records, as well as geological information from aerial surveys."
Using this method, the study identified volcanoes ranging from 328 feet (100 metres) to just over 12,600 feet (3,850 metres) in height, reports The Verge, with diameters of two miles (3.2km) and up to 40 miles (64.4km).
The findings could have "major implications for our understanding of the region and the massive ice sheet that covers it", the site says. Despite the possibility that some of the volcanoes are active, scientists don't believe "volcanic activity has played a role in the present retreat of the ice sheet."
Dr Robert Bingham from the University of Edinburgh told Sky News that a "better understanding of volcanic activity could shed light on their impact on Antarctica's ice in the past, present and future and on other rift systems around the world".
-
Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmandsFeature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
-
Argentinian beef is at the center of American farmers’ woesThe Explainer ‘It feels like a slap in the face to rural America,’ said one farmer
-
‘Businesses that lose money and are uncompetitive won’t survive’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
