Scientists have unlocked a frozen mystery beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets—creating the first-ever genealogy of 207 subglacial volcanoes! 🔍 This groundbreaking project, led by the Polar Research Institute of China with teams from Zhejiang University, Fudan University, and the UK’s University of Exeter, is like a ‘volcano DNA test’ for the planet’s least-explored continent.
Why It Matters
These hidden volcanoes could reshape our understanding of climate change and geological activity. 🌍❄️ The new archive, shared globally this week, lets researchers track volcanic behavior under miles of ice—vital for predicting future eruptions and their impact on sea-level rise.
Tech Meets Ice
Using satellite data and AI, the team identified volcanoes as tall as 3,800 meters—some active, others dormant. "This isn’t just about maps," said a PRIC spokesperson. "It’s about safeguarding ecosystems and preparing for a warming world."
Next up? Studying how these volcanoes interact with Antarctica’s melting ice—a hot topic (pun intended) for 2026’s climate research! 🔥📈
