8 Chilling (Read: Freezing) Mysteries Of The Icy Land Of Antarctica That Are Astonishing

by Mallika Khurana
8 Chilling (Read: Freezing) Mysteries Of The Icy Land Of Antarctica That Are Astonishing

Scientists and explorers have been fascinated for a very long time by the many mysteries surrounding Antarctica, the southernmost continent in the world. There are many unexplored aspects of our world that are covered by this vast land of snow. Here are the top 8 mysteries of Antarctica you must be aware of.

Most Fascinating Mysteries of Antarctica

1. Mount Erebus

Mount Erebus
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One of only a few in the world, Mount Erebus is well known for its resilient lava lake. One of the greatest mysteries of Antarctica is how this lava lake has endured for so long in such an extreme environment. Continuous research and advancements in technology are gradually revealing the mysteries of this volcano, illuminating their significance and adding to our understanding of the planet.

2. Southern Ocean

Mysteries of Antarctica
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There are many intriguing mysteries in the Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean. The Southern Ocean plays a crucial role in controlling the global climate because of its capacity to absorb heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. To fully understand its impact on the dynamics of the climate, more research is necessary.

3. McMurdo Dry Valleys

McMurdo Dry Valleys
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The McMurdo Dry Valleys, though located in Antarctica, are distinguished by their lack of snow and ice. In the land of thick, white snow lies a valley that is one of the driest places in the world. Sounds improbable, right? This valley is a fascinating research location that gives researchers the chance to delve into Earth’s most extreme environments.

4. The Lost City Of Atlantis

The lost city of Atlantis
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Every time we watch an Aquaman movie, we are intrigued by the idea of a city underwater. Guess what? According to some theories, the fabled lost city of Atlantis may actually be located in Antarctica. Deep below Antarctica’s surface, the mystery of the continent still remains. Antarctica may have once been home to civilization, but it has not yet been established that this is where the fabled lost city is actually located. 

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5. Gamburtsev Mountain Range

Mysteries of Antarctica
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The East Antarctic Ice Sheet’s undersea Gamburtsev Mountain Range offers a fascinating geological enigma. How these mountains formed and stayed buried for millions of years beneath the ice baffles many scientists. The mystery lies in the mechanism that has prevented ice and weathering over millions of years from eroding these mountains. 

6. Deep Lake

Mysteries of Antarctica
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In the Vestfold Hills of Antarctica, Deep Lake offers a captivating mystery. It is a hypersaline lake, which means that there is a lot of salt in it. Despite its harsh surroundings, the lake is home to a variety of microbial ecosystems. Knowing how life survives in such a harsh environment and what adaptations these microorganisms have is a big mystery. 

7. Lake Vostok

Lake Vostok
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A fascinating and mysterious feature with many unanswered questions is Lake Vostok, which is situated beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. It is one of Antarctica’s biggest subglacial lakes, concealed by 4 kilometres of ice. Understanding its origins and how it has lasted under the ice for such a long time in a liquid state is one of the biggest mysteries of Antarctica.

8. UFO Sightings

Mysteries of Antarctica
Photo Credits: Canva

UFO sightings have been reported around the world, including in Antarctica. Apparently, many people think that Antarctica once hosted extraterrestrial life. Numerous reports of UFO sightings are made every year, and Google Earth has recorded some unusual activity that is thought to have been carried out by extraterrestrials. 

Which one of these mysteries surprised you the most?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva