Antarctica map reveals most detailed landscape beneath the ice.

Researchers combined satellite observations and glacial-motion models to produce a higher-resolution map of bedrock beneath Antarctica, showing features such as alpine valleys and deeply eroded troughs. The study is published in Science and authors say the new topography will help refine projections of ice loss and sea-level rise.

Researchers have produced a new, higher-resolution map of Antarctica's bedrock beneath the ice using satellite data and computer models of glacial movement. The map, published in Science in a paper led by Helen Ockenden, reveals a varied landscape that includes high-relief alpine valleys, scoured lowlands, and deeply eroded ice-stream troughs. These details are more extensive than earlier site-specific geophysical surveys had suggested. BBC reporting noted that traditional ground and airborne radar produced widely spaced lines of data that required interpolation. Key findings: - The map was produced by combining satellite observations with computer models of glacial motion to infer sub-ice topography. - The study is published as "Complex mesoscale landscapes beneath Antarctica mapped from space" in the journal Science, led by Helen Ockenden and collaborators. - The newly resolved topography shows varied landforms, including high-relief alpine valleys, scoured lowlands, and deeply eroded ice-stream troughs. - Authors report the improved topographic detail will help refine projections of ice loss and sea-level rise. - Reporting notes that new, publicly available heightmap files do not yet appear to be available. Summary: The new map provides a more detailed picture of the continent's sub-ice landscape, which can influence how ice flows and responds to change. The authors and reporting note the improved resolution should inform future models of ice loss and sea-level projections. Undetermined at this time.