The ice holds many mysteries and secrets from the past, and scientists have made some incredible discoveries while exploring the frozen regions of our planet. Here are some of the most incredible discoveries made in the ice:
Woolly mammoths – In 2013, a well-preserved woolly mammoth was discovered in Siberian permafrost. The remains included soft tissues and hair, which allowed scientists to study the genetics of the animal and potentially clone it in the future.
Ancient viruses – In 2020, scientists discovered 28 new viruses in ice samples taken from the Tibetan Plateau, some of which are believed to be over 15,000 years old. The discovery raises concerns about the potential release of ancient viruses as the permafrost melts due to climate change.
Lake Vostok – In 2012, Russian scientists drilled into Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake buried under 4 km of ice in Antarctica. The lake had been sealed off for over 15 million years, and the discovery of microbial life in its waters has implications for the search for life on other planets.
Otzi the Iceman – In 1991, hikers in the Italian Alps discovered the mummified remains of a man who had been frozen in ice for over 5,000 years. The discovery of Otzi the Iceman provided valuable insights into the life and culture of ancient Europe, as well as the health and diseases of our ancestors.
Methane bubbles – In 2019, scientists discovered large methane bubbles trapped in ice in the Arctic Ocean. The bubbles, which are believed to be over 1,000 years old, are a sign of the significant impact that climate change is having on the Arctic ecosystem.
These discoveries highlight the importance of studying the ice, not just for understanding the past but also for predicting and mitigating the effects of climate change on our planet.