New Evidence Shows That Life Exists Under the Icy Surface of Antarctica

Until recently, scientists and researchers thought that the thick icy surface of the Antarctic Ocean stopped light from entering below it, as reported by SciTechDaily. Because of this, it was believed that tiny algae known as phytoplankton could now grow. With minimal access to light, lesser quantities of phytoplankton perform photosynthesis. Therefore, less phytoplankton is present as well.

This strongly shows that scarcity of light affects the abundance of life underneath icy surfaces. However, with the rising phytoplankton blooms under icy surfaces, research has revealed that the Antarctic Ocean is also filled with unforeseen dwellers. This shows that a certain ecological variable operates beneath the ice.

A Study of Life in the Antarctic Ocean

A research team directed by Dr. Christopher Horvat assumed that phytoplankton blooms were present below the icy surfaces in the Antarctic Ocean. In their recent study published in Frontiers, the researchers explained their sampling of BGC-Argo floats and climate model output to gauge light access. This was necessary to verify their initial assumptions.

According to SciTechDaily, Horvat mentioned that they noticed noteworthy blooms in several cases. They also noted the presence of floats profiling within the Ocean and that phytoplankton grows before the withdrawal of sea ice.

Horvat also notes that the floats they observed were only a minuscule sample. Thus, he hinted that there is a possibility that even more blooms could even be capable of fostering life.

As they proceeded with the study, the team gathered data from 51 different floats that dived under the ice from 2014 to 2021. They gathered this into 79 different measurement sequences.

Horvat notes that they used a data product from a recent NASA satellite, the ICESat-2 laser altimeter. They did so to gain a deeper understanding of the compactness of Antarctica's ice. The team then found that at least half of the under-ice environment might support blooms. This is because there were floes on the surface. The gaps between these gloves allowed light to enter and lead to life.

Phytoplankton Blooms Within the Antarctic Ocean

As they gauged this contracted sea ice using a complete or almost complete scope of the water, the researchers found that among 88% of measurement sequences, there was a phytoplankton increase before the withdrawal of the sea ice. Other than that, 26% also qualified as an under-ice phytoplankton bloom.

However, the researchers note that the coordinates of the specific areas are not completely precise. Horvat mentioned that heightened productivity might be documented in areas where sea ice minimally covers. He further states that the researchers observe the blooms when the ice is close to retreating. Hence, there is a possibility that some of the phytoplankton are due to processes that take place beyond the zone of sea ice.

Nevertheless, SciTechDaily shares that these findings are noteworthy. More research is necessary to see how such ecosystems operate and gauge whether prey or predators are attracted to these under-ice blooms.

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