Massive Granite Formation Discovered Underlying Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica

All of that underlies what may be the first major geological surprise beneath the Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica, scientists have revealed. Geophysicist Dr. Tom Jordan and geologist Dr. Joanne Johnson both at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) led the novel research. In the process, they discovered an enormous granite mass that is almost…

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Massive Granite Formation Discovered Underlying Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica

All of that underlies what may be the first major geological surprise beneath the Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica, scientists have revealed. Geophysicist Dr. Tom Jordan and geologist Dr. Joanne Johnson both at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) led the novel research. In the process, they discovered an enormous granite mass that is almost 100 kilometers wide and 7 kilometers deep. This hitherto hidden creation is about the size of the UK’s Wales — roughly half the area of Ireland.

That breakthrough happened as researchers attempted to understand how the ice sheet behaves and how it’s behaved in the past. The granite now barely showed, hidden under the glacier. It was able to show unprecedented details about how the ice is moving and melting in the region. These results were only possible through the use of extensive geological dating combined with a sophisticated gravity survey technique.

Discovery Process

The team of researchers used a cutting edge multiplatform method that combined glacial erratics with noninvasive geophysical data. The researchers looked through pink granite boulders littered across the black volcanic summits of the Hudson Mountains. This enabled them to follow the path of the boulders all the way back to the bedrock under the ice sheet. Approximately 20,000 years ago, at the peak of the last ice age, the ice sheet was over a mile thick. As it melted, it dumped boulders the size of houses on the mountains.

It is a piece of the larger International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. Our hope with this unique collaboration is to provide fundamental new knowledge about the dynamics of the ice sheets and their contribution to the global sea level rise.

“It’s remarkable that pink [granite] boulders spotted on the surface have led us to a hidden giant beneath the ice. By combining geological dating with gravity surveys, we’ve not only solved a mystery about where these rocks came from, but also uncovered new information about how the ice sheet flowed in the past and how it might change in the future.” – Dr. Tom Jordan

This narrow granite body offers crucial clues to an ancient geological tectonic battle. It further allows us to understand the regulatory processes that are occurring in the present day. The geology under Pine Island Glacier is key in determining how ice behaves over its bed. It largely determines how and where meltwater drains beneath the glacier. This data is essential for improving ice sheet computer models, which are used by scientists all over the world.

Geological Significance

The research is more than just a historical deep dive. It’s instrumental to aiding scientists in predicting the future changes in ice flow and melting patterns.

As the world’s temperature keeps increasing, getting a handle on how ice sheets respond is key for studying our changing climate. The granite formation discovered beneath Pine Island Glacier offers vital clues to how this region has behaved in past climates and its potential response to current warming trends.

“Rocks provide an amazing record of how our planet has changed over time, especially how ice has eroded and altered the landscape of Antarctica. Boulders like these are a treasure trove of information about what lies deep beneath the ice sheet, far out of reach.” – Dr. Joanne Johnson

BAS’ Twin Otter aircraft and other planes used to make precise gravity measurements. These measurements were key in piecing together the complex underlying geological structure. This method allowed researchers to gather comprehensive data over a vast area, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the glacier’s behavior.

Impacts on Climate Research

The implications of this research are far reaching for NIH-funded climate change researchers. As they refine their models, this newly identified granite body will help elucidate how glaciers interact with changing environmental conditions.

Precise gravity measurements collected from BAS’ Twin Otter aircraft and other planes played a key role in mapping out this hidden geological structure. This method allowed researchers to gather comprehensive data over a vast area, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the glacier’s behavior.

The implications of this research are profound for scientists studying climate change. As they refine their models, this newly identified granite body will help elucidate how glaciers interact with changing environmental conditions.