Deep beneath Antarctica’s icy surface lies an ominous secret—a vast network of active volcanoes poised for eruption. As the planet warms, the ice sheet’s protective grip is loosening, potentially igniting a cataclysmic chain reaction that could reshape the continent and accelerate global climate change.

Eruptions of subglacial volcanoes may not be visible on the surface, but they can have consequences for the ice sheet. Heat from these eruptions can increase ice melting deep below the surface and weaken the overlying ice sheet — potentially leading to a feedback loop of reduced pressure from the surface and further volcanic eruptions.

Melting Antarctica ice reduces pressure on underground magma, triggering volcanoes. This heats ice, accelerates melting, and raises seas.

Volcanoes erupting isn’t what most people think of, but this scene could happen as the frozen continent melts, a study has found. Buried under kilometres of frost are some 100 volcanoes in Antarctica,

If Antarctic ice continues to melt at its current rate, it could trigger a feedback loop which may lead to an increase in volcanic activity under the continent.