Deep Bore Into Antarctica Finds Freezing Ice, Not Melting as Expected | National Geographic

Why are ice shelves, like the Ross Ice Shelf, important?

• They provide a habitat for penguins.

• They hold back a vast amount of ice.

• They are a source of fresh water.

• They help ships navigate through icy waters.

What would be the consequence if all the West Antarctic ice shelves collapsed and released their ice into the ocean?

• Global temperatures would significantly decrease.

• Global sea level would rise by 10 feet.

• New landmasses would emerge from the ocean.

• Ocean currents would completely stop flowing.

How did scientists create a hole through the thick ice of the Ross Ice Shelf to reach the water below?

• They used powerful explosives.

• They drilled with a large mechanical auger.

• They used a hot-water drill hose.

• They waited for natural melting to occur.

What surprising discovery did scientists make about the ice in the drilled hole and at the base of the shelf?

• It was melting at an accelerated rate.

• It was much thinner than they had predicted.

• It was crystallizing and freezing.

• It contained previously unknown ancient organisms.