Approaching a problem from every angle is crucial when trying to find a solution. This rings especially true when it comes to understanding the impact of climate change-induced ice melt in Antarctica. In 2022, the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) launched an ambitious mission to explore the never-before-investigated region beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica. Their tool of choice was a 20-foot-long autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named “Ran.”
Over the course of 27 days, Ran traveled over 600 miles, delving 10 miles into the cavity of the Dotson Ice Shelf. The AUV’s mission was to uncover the mechanisms behind the accelerated melting rates observed in the western versus the eastern portions of the ice shelf. The data collected by Ran provided researchers with high-resolution maps of the underside of the ice shelf, revealing intricate tear-drop features, icy plateaus, and detailed erosion patterns.
The study’s findings, recently published in the journal Science Advances, shed light on the complex dynamics at play beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf. Unlike glaciers that rest on land, ice shelves are integral parts of the ocean, playing a crucial role in preventing land-based ice from flowing into the sea and contributing to rising sea levels. By exploring the cavity of the ice shelf, researchers gained valuable insights into the structure and behavior of this vital component of the Antarctic ecosystem.
Despite the challenges posed by the subantarctic location of the mission, Ran successfully mapped around 50 square miles of the ice shelf, unveiling structures that defied previous assumptions about glacier undersides. The discovery of the modified Circumpolar Deep Water (mCDW) phenomenon, along with the observation of high melting rates in fractures within the glacier, provided valuable clues to the varying melt rates between the eastern and western parts of the Dotson Ice Shelf.
While the initial mission aimed to study the nearby Thwaites glacier, the team’s focus shifted to the Dotson Ice Shelf due to accessibility issues. The return to the area in 2024 was met with disappointment when Ran failed to resurface at the designated location. The team suspects that the AUV may have encountered obstacles such as running aground or attracting the attention of curious seals.
Despite this setback, the researchers remain committed to advancing our understanding of Antarctica’s ice sheet. The unique insights provided by Ran’s mission have paved the way for future exploration and research in this critical region. The team hopes to replace Ran and continue their important work to unravel the mysteries of Antarctica’s changing climate.
In a world where climate change poses significant challenges, the quest to uncover the secrets hidden beneath Antarctica’s icy waters remains a pressing and vital endeavor. The disappearance of Ran serves as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties inherent in exploring these remote and unforgiving environments. As scientists continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, the hope is that their efforts will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of our planet’s changing climate and the urgent need for action.