A new topographic map of the bedrock surface beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet has revealed hundreds of valleys that were either missing from previous representations or appeared fragmented. This detailed mapping, which integrates data from various sources, offers an unprecedented view of the island's subglacial geomorphology, a crucial factor for understanding ice flow dynamics and its response to climate change. The existence of these interconnected valleys suggests a more complex subglacial drainage network than previously thought.

The relevance of this discovery lies in the fact that the underlying topography plays a fundamental role in the speed at which ice slides towards the ocean. Deep valleys can channel ice flow, accelerating its movement and, consequently, contributing to greater ice discharge and sea-level rise. Understanding the configuration of these channels is essential for improving predictive models of the future behavior of the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is currently one of the largest contributors to sea-level rise.

This advance in mapping has been achieved by compiling and analyzing ice-penetrating radar data obtained over decades by various missions, including airborne surveys. The combination of these heterogeneous datasets has allowed for a more precise reconstruction of the subglacial relief, revealing a network of valleys that, in some cases, extend for hundreds of kilometers. The higher resolution and coverage of this new map provide a more solid basis for future glaciological and climate research.