Massive canyon found under West Antarctica ice

MODIS and aerogeophysical radio-echo sounding surveys revealed the canyon below West Antarctica ice (Credit: Neil Ross)

Using imagery from NASA’s MODIS satellite, researchers from the United Kingdom have discovered a new feature beneath West Antarctica’s ice, according to National Public Radio: a valley larger than the Grand Canyon.

At first they didn’t believe the data, but the explorers admit it was an exciting moment when the new ravine was confirmed. They say the valley will give clues to how the ice sheet performed in past climates.

Present-day ice sheets are changing extensively around coastal fringes. By studying the massive glacier-formed valley, the researchers say it may become easier to predict changes to come.

Image: MODIS and aerogeophysical radio-echo sounding surveys revealed the canyon below West Antarctica ice (Credit: Neil Ross)