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Secret Antarctic Island Discovered in 'Danger Zone'
10 Apr
Summary
- Scientists found a previously unknown island in the Antarctic's Weddell Sea.
- The island is approximately 130 meters long and 10 meters wide.
- It was discovered in an area marked as a navigation hazard on charts.
Scientists exploring the Antarctic's Weddell Sea recently discovered a previously uncharted island. A team of 93 researchers on the icebreaker Polarstern found the landmass while seeking shelter from rough weather near Joinville Island.
This unexpected discovery was made in an area designated as a 'danger zone' on nautical charts, with no prior indication of a coastline. The island measures approximately 130 meters in length and 50 meters in width, protruding about 16 meters above the water.
Due to its ice cover, the island was difficult to distinguish from surrounding icebergs in satellite imagery. Scientists are now considering a name for the island, with suggestions being made by the public.
Separately, a secret islet named Bacan has become a permanent fixture off the coast of Venice due to a new flood barrier, supporting a flourishing ecosystem with marsh plants and small cedars. Meanwhile, global sea levels are projected to rise by up to 1.2 meters by 2300, even if Paris climate goals are met, due to melting ice from Greenland to Antarctica.
