Submarine discovers ice shelf mysteries, then disappears without a trace

In 2022, researchers from the University of Gothenburg deployed the unmanned submarine Ran to explore the underside of the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, mapping complex ice formations and significant melt areas influenced by underwater currents. This expedition provided the first detailed maps of a glacier's underside, crucial for understanding potential sea level rise. The submarine operated for 27 days, covering over 1,000 kilometers and reaching 17 kilometers into the ice cavity. The findings revealed that the glacier melts faster where strong currents erode its base, and new patterns on the glacier's surface suggest formations created by flowing water influenced by Earth's rotation.

In January 2024, the team returned to repeat the surveys but only managed one dive before Ran disappeared without a trace. Despite this setback, the data collected has advanced understanding of Antarctica's ice shelves, highlighting the need for better models to predict future melting rates. The research emphasizes the importance of combining oceanographic field data with remote sensing to grasp the complexities of glacial changes. The disappearance of Ran, while daunting, underscores the challenges of exploring uncharted areas beneath ice. The team hopes to replace the submarine and continue this vital research to further understand the dynamics of Antarctica's ice sheets and their implications for global sea levels.