oceans beneath ice

Beneath thick ice sheets, such as those in Antarctica and Greenland, there are vast, hidden oceans of liquid water, often tens or hundreds of meters deep. These sub-ice oceans exist because the ice insulates the water below from the cold air and space, keeping it in a liquid state despite the freezing temperatures above. They are crucial for controlling ice sheet movements, supporting unique ecosystems, and influencing global climate. Scientific exploration of these hidden oceans helps us understand climate change and the stability of ice sheets, which can impact sea levels worldwide.