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

Gerhard Kuhn (), Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand, Sabine Kasten, James A. Smith, Frank O. Nitsche, Thomas Frederichs, Steffen Wiers, Werner Ehrmann, Johann P. Klages and José M. Mogollón
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Gerhard Kuhn: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27568 Bremerhaven
Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand: British Antarctic Survey, High Cross
Sabine Kasten: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27568 Bremerhaven
James A. Smith: British Antarctic Survey, High Cross
Frank O. Nitsche: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
Thomas Frederichs: University of Bremen
Steffen Wiers: University of Bremen
Werner Ehrmann: Institute for Geophysics and Geology, University of Leipzig
Johann P. Klages: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27568 Bremerhaven
José M. Mogollón: Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Subglacial lakes are widespread beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet but 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.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15591

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