Antarctica's Ice and Mapping Insights

This podcast episode explores the hidden landscape beneath Antarctica's ice, revealed by the new Bedmap 3. Created by international scientists, this detailed map shows mountains and canyons under the ice, challenging previous beliefs about ice thickness. The map, using data from satellites and dog sledges, helps scientists understand ice sheet interactions and climate change impacts. It highlights the thickest ice in Wilks Land and offers insights into Antarctica's geography. The episode concludes with a call to subscribe for more discussions.

What is the main topic discussed in this podcast episode?

• The climate of Antarctica

• The wildlife of Antarctica

• The history of Antarctic exploration

• The hidden landscape beneath Antarctica's ice

What is Bedmap 3?

• A new satellite launched to study Antarctica

• A detailed map of Antarctica's sub-ice landscape

• A documentary about Antarctica

• A research station in Antarctica

How was the data for Bedmap 3 collected?

• Only by satellites

• By satellites and dog-drawn sledges

• By submarines

• By drones

Where is the thickest ice in Antarctica located according to the new map?

• Astrol Basin

• The Antarctic Peninsula

• The South Pole

• An unnamed canyon in Wilks Land

How does the new map help scientists?

• By tracking animal migrations

• By predicting volcanic eruptions

• By helping study interactions between the ice sheet and the bed

• By providing better weather forecasts

What analogy does Dr. Heish Pritchard use to describe the ice flow?

• Pouring oil over a pan

• Pouring syrup over a rock cake

• Pouring water over a sponge

• Pouring sand over a hill

When was the first map of Antarctica created?

• 1990

• 2020

• 2001

• 2010

What is a significant improvement in Bedmap 3 compared to previous maps?

• It includes more data points

• It covers a larger area

• It uses only satellite data

• It is the first map to include the South Pole

What does the map reveal about the Antarctic ice sheet?

• It is completely stable

• It is thinner than previously thought

• It is thicker and has more volume than realized

• It is melting rapidly

What is the significance of the floating ice shelves in the map?

• They are the thinnest parts of the ice sheet

• They are where the ice meets the ocean and begins to float

• They are the most stable parts of the ice sheet

• They are the least studied areas