Ep 7. Secrets Beneath the Ice

In NOVA's season 38 episode 7, titled "Secrets Beneath the Ice," viewers are taken on a fascinating journey to the remote continent of Antarctica, where researchers seek to uncover valuable information about the Earth's past and future. This episode focuses on the scientific study of the Thwaites Glacier, which spans an area about the size of Great Britain and holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by more than a meter if it were to collapse entirely.

To begin their investigation, the research team sets up camp on the glacier itself, braving bitter cold and extreme conditions to gather data and conduct experiments. They use a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including ice-penetrating radar and autonomous underwater vehicles, to collect measurements and images from beneath the ice sheet. What they discover is both awe-inspiring and sobering. The team uncovers an intricate network of previously unknown subglacial tunnels and channels, some of which are filled with seawater that could potentially destabilize the glacier and contribute to sea level rise. They also encounter breathtaking natural beauty, such as towering ice caves and crystal-clear lakes formed by melting ice.

Throughout the episode, the researchers emphasize the urgency of studying Thwaites and other vulnerable glaciers, given the pressing threat of climate change. They explain how the ice sheets of Antarctica are a critical part of the Earth's climate system, regulating weather patterns and sea levels around the world. But as greenhouse gas emissions continue to warm the planet, these ice sheets are melting at an unprecedented rate. The Thwaites Glacier alone is losing an estimated 80 billion tons of ice per year, which is enough to contribute several millimeters to sea level rise.

Despite the monumental challenges of studying such a remote and inhospitable location, the scientists on the team are dedicated to uncovering as many secrets as possible about the Thwaites Glacier and its role in the Earth's climate system. They work long hours and take significant risks to gather the data they need, and they are constantly refining their methods to maximize the accuracy and impact of their findings.

As viewers watch the research team at work, they will likely be struck by the incredible depth of knowledge and expertise required to undertake such a complex and high-stakes endeavor. From glaciologists to oceanographers to engineers, the team comprises some of the most talented and dedicated scientists in the world. This episode provides a window into their motivations and methods, as well as the broader context of their work within the field of climate science.

By the end of "Secrets Beneath the Ice," viewers will gain a newfound appreciation for the critical importance of understanding the Earth's polar regions and the glaciers that are changing them. They will come away with a renewed sense of urgency about the need to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change, so that we can preserve a stable and livable planet for future generations.