Hidden Antarctic Seafloor Reveals Thriving Ecosystem After Massive Iceberg Calving
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📰 The quick summary: Scientists discovered a vibrant ecosystem thriving beneath a recently calved Antarctic iceberg, revealing coral and sponge communities that have likely existed for centuries and providing unprecedented insights into hidden marine life.
📈 One key stat: The iceberg that calved from Antarctica’s George VI Ice Shelf measured about 510 square kilometers (209 square miles), roughly the size of Chicago, exposing seafloor that had been hidden under ice for centuries.
💬 One key quote: “We didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have been there for decades, maybe even hundreds of years,” said expedition co-chief scientist Dr. Patricia Esquete.
1️⃣ The big picture: An international team of scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel quickly changed their expedition plans when a Chicago-sized iceberg broke off Antarctica’s George VI Ice Shelf in January 2025. Arriving just 12 days after the calving event, they became the first humans to explore the newly exposed seafloor beneath what had been a floating glacier. Using a remotely operated vehicle, the team discovered flourishing communities of large corals, sponges, and various marine animals that had been thriving in complete darkness. This unique opportunity provided the first in-depth study of geology, ocean conditions, and marine life in an area that had been sealed under ice for centuries.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The discovery of this vibrant ecosystem beneath Antarctic ice challenges previous assumptions about life in extreme environments. Researchers found large corals and sponges supporting diverse animal communities including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopuses – some never before documented in this region. These findings offer valuable insights into how marine life adapts to survive in darkness without direct access to surface nutrients for potentially hundreds of years. The research also provides critical data on the historical behavior of the Antarctic ice sheet, helping scientists better understand climate change impacts and improve projections that can inform environmental policies.
3️⃣ What’s next: Scientists will continue analyzing the collected data and samples to identify potential new species discovered during the expedition. The team deployed underwater gliders to study the impacts of glacial meltwater on the region’s physical and chemical properties. Research findings will contribute to Challenger 150, a global cooperative focused on deep-sea biological research endorsed by UNESCO as part of the Ocean Decade Action.
Read the full story here: SciTechDaily – Massive Iceberg Calves in Antarctica, Revealing a Hidden Seafloor Bursting With Life
