Evidence for a palaeo-subglacial lake on the Antarctic continental shelf

Gerhard Kuhn, Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand, Sabine Kasten, James A. Smith, Frank O. Nitsche, T. Frederichs, Steffen Wiers, Werner Ehrmann, Johann P. Klages, josé M. Mogollon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

their control on ice-sheet dynamics and their ability to harbour life remain poorly characterized. Here we present evidence for a palaeo-subglacial lake on the Antarctic continental shelf. A distinct sediment facies recovered from a bedrock basin in Pine Island Bay indicates deposition within a low-energy lake environment. Diffusive-advection modelling demonstrates that low chloride concentrations in the pore water of the corresponding sediments can only be explained by initial deposition of this facies in a freshwater setting. These observations indicate that an active subglacial meltwater network, similar to that observed beneath the extant ice sheet, was also active during the last glacial period. It also provides a new framework for refining the exploration of these unique environments.
Original languageEnglish
Article number15591
JournalNature Communications
Volume8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2017

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