Submarine Discovers Hidden Structures Under Dotson Ice Shelf, Antarctica
An unmanned submarine named Ran, tasked with mapping the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, reported discovering unusual under-ice structures before losing contact. The submarine, operated by a team led by Professor Anna WÃ¥hlin from the University of Gothenburg, spent weeks scanning approximately fifty square miles of ice, revealing complex patterns that challenge existing melt models. Ran's mission aimed to understand the contrasting melt rates between the eastern and western sides of the Dotson Ice Shelf. Using sonar, Ran mapped 54 square miles of the ice underside, uncovering flat plateaus, terraced steps, and teardrop-shaped pits carved by basal melt. These features were previously undetected by satellite imagery. The findings suggest that warm Circumpolar Deep Water is eroding the ice shelf from below, particularly affecting the western side, while colder water protects the eastern flank. 
