An international research team discovered a vast fan-shaped network of subglacial basins hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet [1].
The discovery provides a rare glimpse into the prehistoric geological forces that shaped the Earth's crust before the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana. Understanding these deep structures helps scientists better comprehend the stability and movement of the ice sheets that regulate global sea levels.
The formation radiates from a central point located near the South Pole [2]. The research team, which included the Department of Geography, said the structure was created by the rotational stretching of the Earth's crust [3]. This process occurred millions of years ago, long before the region was encased in its current glacial state.
Mapping the area proved challenging due to the extreme environment and the density of the overlying ice. In some regions, the ice thickness above the geological structure can exceed three kilometers [4]. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully identified the network of basins that comprise the fan-shaped formation [1].
The findings were published June 4, 2026 [5]. The research highlights the complexity of the Antarctic landscape, revealing that the continent's foundation is far more dynamic than previously understood. By utilizing advanced mapping techniques, the team was able to peer through the ice to identify the specific patterns of the crustal stretching [2].
This geological anomaly suggests that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet rests on a foundation marked by significant tectonic activity. The presence of these basins may influence how ice flows across the continent, and how it responds to changing climatic conditions over millennia [3].
“A vast fan-shaped network of subglacial basins hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet”
The identification of this structure clarifies the tectonic history of the South Pole and the breakup of Gondwana. Because subglacial basins can act as conduits or barriers for ice flow, mapping these hidden geological features is critical for improving the accuracy of sea-level rise projections and understanding the long-term stability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
