Abstract

Six decades of radioglaciology in Antarctica, through multi-sensor airborne geophysical surveys, has led to a ‘first-order’ depiction of Antarctic subglacial topography – an essential input to numerical ice sheet modelling. Deeper inspection of recently-collected geophysical data has also uncovered evidence for past glaciological, hydrological and geological changes in Antarctica. In this talk, I will showcase recent advances in our understanding of Antarctic evolution that have been gained from such assessment; showcasing evidence of Pliocene ice sheet retreat, the preservation of pre-glacial surfaces and the break-up of Gondwana. I will also explain that our knowledge of subglacial Antarctic remains limited and how the ‘next generation’ of ice sheet bed measurements could lead to improved projections of global sea-level rise.