(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists have discovered a hidden ecosystem deep beneath the ice of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica.
This fascinating “hidden world” located 1,600 feet below the ice was discovered when researchers spotted an unusual groove in the ice shelf in satellite photographs.
Upon closer inspection, they found that this feature was indicative of the presence of a subsurface river.
As they descended under the ice to explore, at first their camera seemed obscured by hundreds of strange blurs. However, upon focusing, they realized that they were hundreds of small shrimp-like creatures that were swarming in the lens.
Their presence was unexpected, since it was believed that at such a depth there could be no life at all.
“The fact that all these animals are swimming around our chamber means that there is clearly an important ecosystem process going on there,” said oceanographer Craig Stevens.
Scientists have long suspected that there is a network of underground rivers and lakes beneath the ice, and the latest discovery not only confirms this, but opens up the possibility of other ecosystems hidden hundreds of feet below the surface.
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