Lake Vostok

Lake Vostok is a massive subglacial lake hidden beneath about 4 kilometers (roughly 2.5 miles) of ice in Antarctica. Covering approximately 15,750 square kilometers (around 6,090 square miles), it remains in a liquid state due to the immense pressure and geothermal heat from Earth's interior. Isolated for millions of years, it may harbor unique microbial life and provides valuable insights into extreme ecosystems and Earth's climate history. Scientists study Lake Vostok to understand how life can survive in extreme conditions and to learn more about Earth's climatic past and potential extraterrestrial life in similar icy environments.