New research unveils previously unknown features of Earth. Bedmap3, the most detailed map of Antarctica, reveals a rugged landscape beneath 27 million cubic kilometers of ice.
Led by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the map, created using geological radar, gravity measurements, and seismic reflection data, shows deep valleys and mountain ranges. If the ice melted, sea levels would rise 58 meters.
Simultaneously, Eliza Michalopoulou at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is pioneering ocean floor mapping using sound waves. Traditional methods are costly and dangerous due to extreme underwater conditions. Michalopoulou’s geoacoustic inversion technique analyzes sound waves to determine bathymetry (ocean depths) and sediment density. Hydrophones capture sound, and mathematical models interpret the data. This research addresses discrepancies in acoustic data analysis and mitigates interference from ship traffic and marine life. The project aims to improve seabed exploration and anti-submarine warfare, aligning with Seabed 2030 and UNESCO's Ocean Decade.