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.

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.

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.

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.