For over 34 million years, Antarctica has been buried under a massive sheet of ice. But a groundbreaking new discovery by scientists from Durham University in the UK is rewriting what we thought we knew about this frozen continent.

Using radar data collected from multiple geological expeditions, researchers have uncovered a vast ancient landscape hidden beneath the ice of East Antarctica—a landscape that dates back 80 million years, long before the continent was frozen, and bears resemblance to modern-day Patagonia or even a tropical rainforest.

What the Scientists Found

The study revealed enormous flat plains sculpted by ancient rivers, pointing to a radically different past for the region. Researchers identified 31 distinct flat areas, covering nearly 40% of East Antarctica’s coastline.

“It’s one of the most mysterious geological formations on Earth—or on any planet in our solar system,” said Dr. Guy Paxman, lead author of the study.

A Landscape From Another Time

According to scientists, the climate in this forgotten world could have resembled that of Patagonia today—or perhaps something even more tropical if we go far enough back in time. The entire region resembles a “lost world” that has remained nearly untouched for tens of millions of years.

“What we’re seeing under the ice is an incredibly well-preserved imprint of the past—a window into another world,” added Professor Stewart Jamieson.

The Climate Change Connection

But this discovery isn't just about geological curiosity. The study found that the ice resting above these ancient flatlands moves significantly slower than in other parts of the continent.

This is critical information. As Antarctica’s ice loss accelerates due to global warming, understanding how geological features affect ice flow is vital. It can help scientists more accurately predict future sea-level rise and how our planet will respond to a changing climate.