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,

Melting ice in Antarctica could trigger volcanic eruptions beneath the continent’s vast ice sheet, creating a slow but dangerous feedback loop, scientists warn. A new study suggests the melting of Antarctica’s ice sheet, driven by the climate crisis, may increase volcanic activity under the surface.

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

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.

The record-breaking retreat of Antarctic sea ice in 2023 has led to more frequent storms over newly exposed parts of the Southern Ocean, according to a study published last month.

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.