Hidden rivers in Antarctica are draining glaciers into the ocean, leading scientists to alarming conclusions.

Many people likely envision Antarctica as a lifeless rock covered by a thick ice cap. However, new research reveals that there are entire rivers hidden between the soil and ice. Moreover, these rivers are accelerating the melting of ice, which contributes to rising global sea levels.

It is worth noting that scientists have previously known about the presence of liquid water beneath the ice in certain areas of Antarctica. However, the recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters has provided a detailed map of these water systems.

Additionally, researchers found that the presence of water between the ice and the ground reduces friction, causing glaciers to move more rapidly toward the ocean. Over time, this movement creates channels that resemble subglacial "rivers." The longest of these has already reached a length of 1,061 kilometers.

The new model has indicated the precise locations of the main water flows beneath the ice. Furthermore, scientists discovered that in these areas, Antarctica is losing ice at a rate 4-5 times faster than the continental average. This is particularly noticeable in coastal regions.

For instance, in the vicinity of the Denman and Pine Island glaciers, the melting rate reaches up to 20 meters per year, while in other locations, the process occurs at a slower pace.

The loss of ice from Antarctica leads to a gradual increase in global sea levels, which could pose a threat to many island nations and coastal areas. According to the new study, this could happen more rapidly than previous models suggested. In the worst-case scenario, by 2100, sea levels could rise by 8 to 30 centimeters, and by 2300, by several meters. This is even without considering the melting of Greenland.

Scientists emphasize that when constructing melting models, it is now essential to account for not only air temperature but also processes that we previously overlooked.

As reported earlier, scientists have explored the depths of Lake Enigma in Antarctica. Despite being located beneath several meters of ice, it hosts a thriving ecosystem that has never been seen before.