Scientists discover canyon under Antarctic ice that may be bigger than the Grand

When glaciologist Martin Siegert and his colleagues first looked at the satellite images, they knew they were seeing something big under the ice. And, as it turns out, what they saw could be one of the world's biggest canyons — buried under the ice in a little-known part of Antarctica.

The scientists behind the discovery are now awaiting results, and final confirmation, from a geophysical survey underway in Antarctica. But there's little doubt about their confidence and excitement.
It's called the 'pole of ignorance', in Antarctic speak.- Martin Siegert, glaciologist
Professor Siegert tells As It Happens host Carol Off, "This massive canyon that we've seen, and its extension over a thousand or so kilometres, is likely to be the last significant piece of landscape on our planet that we have left to identify."

Siegert, of Imperial College in London, England, says that what they saw was consistent with features they've seen on other ice beds that have canyons lying below them.
"It's very subtle," says Siegert. "But if you use accurate satellite imagery you can actually pick out these things."

The area where the discovery has been made is in east Antarctica, in a place called Princess Elizabeth Land. "It's called the 'pole of ignorance', in Antarctic speak, and it's a place where we have virtually no idea what's underneath the ice."
Siegert and his team also believe there is a previously undiscovered sub-glacial lake attached to the canyon. He says that's important because "the reason we would want to get into that sub-glacial lake is that there might be extreme, yet viable, habitats for unusual microbial life."
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Member
Join the conversation Create account
Already have an account?