Submarine found unknown structures beneath Antarctica, then lost contact and disappeared

The autonomous underwater vehicle Ran, which explored the glaciers of Antarctica, recorded unknown structures beneath the Dotson ice shelf, after which it disappeared without a trace. The vehicle was operating at a depth under thick ice and did not return to the collection point. This was reported by Earth.com.

Subglacial structures of Antarctica: what the Ran vehicle discovered

During the mission, the vehicle conducted detailed scanning of approximately 54 square miles of subglacial space. Using sonar, it detected complex structures that had not been previously recorded by satellites.

Among them:

• terrace-like «steps» in the ice thickness

• large drop-shaped depressions

• flat plateaus and channels under the ice.

Some depressions reached almost 300 meters in length and over 50 meters in depth. Scientists explain their formation by uneven melting of ice under the influence of warm ocean currents.

Disappearance of the Ran underwater drone: what could have happened

The underwater vehicle operated autonomously, without contact with the surface, as the signal does not pass through the thick layer of ice. After completing another mission, Ran did not return to the designated point.

Search attempts yielded no results:

• no signal from the vehicle was detected

• no debris or traces were found

• communication was completely lost.

Scientists speculate several reasons for the disappearance - technical malfunction or collision with subglacial structures.

Studies have shown that warm deep-water currents affect different parts of the glacier differently: the western zone melts faster, while the eastern remains more stable. These processes shape the complex relief under the ice.

The obtained data help better understand how the melting of Antarctic glaciers affects the rise in sea levels. At the same time, the disappearance of Ran highlights the risks of research in these inaccessible areas.

Recall that the Ukrainian icebreaker "Noosphere" successfully delivered the expedition and cargo to the British Antarctic station "Rothera". This station is located south of the Ukrainian station "Akademik Vernadsky".