Antarctica
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G5HaxdFQn9Auznc9V3M3vB-320-80.jpg)
Find out everything there is to know about Antarctica and stay updated on the latest Antarctica news with the comprehensive articles, interactive features and Antarctica pictures at LiveScience.com. Learn more about this fascinating continent as scientists continue to make amazing discoveries about Antarctica.
Latest about Antarctica
![A research vessel in front of a massive iceberg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4hiz2MPrtVPJpqh8YuttG-320-80.jpg)
Giant river system that existed 40 million years ago discovered deep below Antarctic ice
By Kristel Tjandra published
"There was this gigantic river system": Researchers find ancient lost world deep beneath Antarctic ice.
![Iron rich water falls into the ocean from the glacier](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h9iSdxxfgtK8VvfpaMB7GR-320-80.jpg)
Blood Falls: Antarctica's crimson waterfall forged from an ancient hidden heart
By Sascha Pare published
Iron-rich waters buried beneath Taylor Glacier in East Antarctica are sporadically released in what looks like a bloody mess — but the so-called Blood Falls aren't as gruesome as they first appear and sound.
![An aerial view of the Maud Rise polynya](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RscmMPQDgmwsRxW9MmrYh5-320-80.jpg)
Antarctic ice hole the size of Switzerland keeps cracking open. Now scientists finally know why.
By Ben Turner published
The Maud Rise polynya has been sporadically opening up in Antarctica's ice since at least the 1970s. Now climatologists finally know why.
![Deception Island, Antarctica.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6426mupoxqNJB3dfsBqdy9-320-80.jpg)
'We were in disbelief': Antarctica is behaving in a way we've never seen before. Can it recover?
By Ben Turner published
Antarctic sea ice has been disappearing over the last several summers. Now, climate scientists are wondering whether it will ever come back.
![A colony of emperor penguins on the Brunt ice shelf in Antarctica.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QikurP6u7KUV9T76qDbhHF-320-80.jpg)
Hundreds of emperor penguin chicks spotted plunging off a 50-foot cliff in 1st-of-its-kind footage
By Ben Turner published
The fledglings are typically reared on floating platforms of sea ice, but an unprecedented decline in the ice extent has driven young onto cliffs.
![A photograph of the RV Belgica's crew returning with snow for use as drinking water.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pfkFiRUSMrSN5s6zSGFLD9-320-80.jpg)
'Unprecedented,' 'Gobsmacked', 'Unbelievable': Changes in Antarctica's sea ice could have dramatic impacts, says climate scientist Edward Doddridge
By Ben Turner published
In 1898, the crew of the first scientific expedition to Antarctica became trapped inside sea ice around the southernmost continent. Much of that once thick ice is dwindling, says polar researcher Edward Doddridge.
![chunks of sea ice in blue water off the coast of antarctica, pictured in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oLn2k66qBikcxCDD5pvoWM-320-80.jpg)
'2023 just blew everything off the charts': Antarctic sea ice hits troubling low for third consecutive year
By Ben Turner published
Sea ice extent in Antarctica is vital for keeping ice on the continent and sea levels low. But its dwindling extent could mean the continent has shifted to a new regime, with global ramifications.
![The survey area with newly mapped seafloor features.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/betZhioBv6qFgD2xAhFRMa-320-80.jpg)
Zoom through a 'spectacular' chain of ancient underwater volcanoes on Antarctic ocean floor
By Sascha Pare published
A research expedition in the Southern Ocean has mapped a string of seamounts that help to shape the Antarctic Circumpolar Current — an ocean current that flows clockwise around Antarctica.
![A large iceberg in the ocean surrounded by clouds](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fyBnDf4gjNy74tudK5YrhZ-320-80.jpg)
World's biggest iceberg 3 times the size of New York City is finally escaping Antarctica after being trapped for almost 40 years
By Harry Baker published
The gigantic iceberg A23a, which broke off from Antarctica in 1986, is finally moving away from the icy continent after being stuck on the seafloor for decades.
![Antarctica, Petermann Island, Icicles hang from melting iceberg near Lemaire Channel.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/inrLHMp9FcYtvaXr9tub9b-320-80.jpg)
Collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet is 'unavoidable,' study finds
By Sascha Pare published
British Antarctic Survey researchers have found that the rate at which ice is melting and contributing to sea level rise will accelerate in the next century, regardless of actions to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
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