Uncovering the ancient secrets of Antarctica's hidden Alps
Hidden beneath the ice of Antarctica lie the mysterious Gamburtsev Mountains, which formed over 500 million years ago. New research sheds light on their origins and the stability of the entire continent. Scientists suggest that their size may resemble that of the Alps.
The Gamburtsev Mountains are concealed under the thick ice of Antarctica and they are compared to the Alps in Europe. Although their peaks are completely covered, new studies published in "Earth and Planetary Science Letters" reveal that these mountains formed over 500 million years ago, when the supercontinent Gondwana was forming from colliding tectonic plates. "Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of mountains and continents throughout geological time," emphasise Nathan R. Daczko and Jacqueline A. Halpin, the study's authors.
What is hidden under the ice of Antarctica?
Discovered for the first time by a Soviet expedition in 1958, the Gamburtsev Mountains are some of the least understood tectonic formations on Earth. "How could such a massive mountain range have formed and persisted in the heart of an ancient, stable continent?" scientists wonder in the study. The research suggests that these mountains began forming around 650 million years ago, reached heights comparable to the Himalayas around 580 million years ago, and geological processes concluded about 500 million years ago.
To understand the history of these mountains, scientists analysed zircon grains found in sandstones that were deposited by rivers flowing from ancient mountains over 250 million years ago. Zircons, referred to as "time capsules", contain uranium, allowing precise dating.
What are the future directions for research?
Although direct study of the Gamburtsev Mountains is currently difficult and costly, new research models could aid future explorations. Recent fieldwork near the Denman Glacier on the coast of Eastern Antarctica discovered rocks that may be related to these ancient mountains. Further analysis of these samples will help reconstruct the hidden architecture of Eastern Antarctica. Antarctica remains a continent full of geological surprises, and the mysteries hidden beneath its ice are only just beginning to be uncovered.
