A hidden world beneath Antarctica’s ice: 34 million years of preserved history! Deep beneath over a mile of ice in East Antarctica, scientists have uncovered an extraordinary hidden landscape—an ancient world of rivers, valleys, and possibly even forests, all untouched by sunlight for over 34 million years. Discovered in Wilkes Land, a remote part of Antarctica the size of Belgium, this pristine terrain is like cracking open a time capsule from Earth’s deep past. Using satellite imagery and ice-penetrating radar, researchers revealed a landscape spanning 12,000 square miles, similar in size to Maryland. The terrain features three massive highland blocks separated by valleys that plunge nearly 4,000 feet deep. This part of Antarctica, once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, likely boasted flowing rivers and dense forests under a mild climate. Palm tree pollen found along the coast further supports this lush history. Over millions of years, as Antarctica drifted toward the South Pole, the climate shifted dramatically. Falling carbon dioxide levels and ocean current changes triggered an ice age, which gradually froze the land. The East Antarctic Ice Sheet sealed the region 14 million years ago, preserving it remarkably well. Today, researchers are excited to explore this preserved ancient world, providing crucial insights into how Antarctica’s ice sheets formed and how they might respond to global warming. Despite the challenges of drilling through thick ice, scientists are eager to piece together the secrets of this lost world. Follow Factology for more awe-inspiring discoveries beneath our planet’s surface. #DidYouKnow #FoodForThoughts #InterestingFacts #Antarctica #IceSheetDiscovery #AncientLandscapes #ClimateScience