Whenever large icebergs detach from Antarctica, the international community are understandably alarmed.

Not only is this development a nerve-wracking sign of the climate crisis in action, the potential for rising sea levels, and the danger to sea vessels and small islands are palpable.

However, the recent detach of in iceberg from the George VI Ice Shelf (a huge glacier that is part of the Antarctic Peninsula) has allowed researchers situated nearby a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the ecosystems that thrive below the Antarctic ice sheets.

And the images that the team have released are fascinating.

According to a statement from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, who routinely research and explore our oceans, the breaking off of the iceberg caused the research team to swiftly adapt from their initial plans, as Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani, explained:

“The science team was originally in this remote region to study the seafloor and ecosystem at the interface between ice and sea. Being right there when this iceberg calved from the ice shelf presented a rare scientific opportunity. Serendipitous moments are part of the excitement of research at sea – they offer the chance to be the first to witness the untouched beauty of our world.”

These observations – which were gathered using Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle, ROV SuBastian – included sea sponges and anemones, icefish and seaspiders, as well as a striking octopus.

And it was only possible when this unique area of seafloor – measuring over 500 square kilometers – was newly exposed in the immediate aftermath of the iceberg detaching.

Why is this important? Well, aside from the incredible pictures, the new information comprises some of our first insights into the ecosystems that thrive deep below Antarctica’s thick ice sheets.

These valuable glimpses into these elusive ecosystems allowed the researchers to discover several new marine species – something they couldn’t pass on, as the University of Aveiro, Portugal’s Dr. Patricia Esquete explained:

“We seized upon the moment, changed our expedition plan, and went for it so we could look at what was happening in the depths below. We didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have been there for decades, maybe even hundreds of years.”

What is most fascinating about these ecosystems is that the creatures within them have survived under 500 feet of ice for centuries, with no nutrients feeding in from the surface of the water.

Here, only the ocean’s currents can carry new nutrients in, leaving researchers fascinated as to how this rich biodiversity survives.

However, the real question is whether – as the ice sheets continue to deteriorate – these creatures will continue to endure, or whether increasing effects of the climate crisis will destroy their habitats, leading to their steady extinction.

If you thought that was interesting, you might like to read about why we should be worried about the leak in the bottom of the ocean.