Discovery of New Species Under Antarctic Ice Shelf

Scientists exploring the seafloor previously covered by the A-84 iceberg, which broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf, have potentially discovered dozens of new species. The iceberg, measuring 510 square kilometers, revealed an underwater world that was unreachable until its separation on January 13.

Challenger 150 Initiative

• The exploration was part of Challenger 150, a UNESCO-endorsed global initiative for deep-sea research.
• The mission involved a remotely-operated submersible that captured images and collected specimens from the seafloor.

Findings and Discoveries

• Researchers found diverse ecosystems flourishing at depths of up to 1,300 meters.
• Key discoveries include: 
  1. Large corals and sponges supporting various animal life forms like icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopi.
  2. A giant phantom jellyfish capable of growing up to a meter wide.
  3. A vase-shaped sponge potentially hundreds of years old.
  4. Several new species may have been discovered.
• Dr. Patricia Esquete expressed amazement at the thriving ecosystems, indicating they might have been established for decades or even centuries.

Significance of the Findings

• Unexpected vibrant ecosystems were found under a thick ice cover, contrary to typical deep-sea communities reliant on surface nutrients.
• Possible theories for nutrient transport include ocean currents and glacial meltwater, but the exact mechanism remains unknown.
• The findings provide valuable insights into how ecosystems function beneath Antarctic ice, an area where little is known.

Research Context

• This exploration builds on 2021 findings by the British Antarctic Survey of life beneath the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf.