A Chinese scientific expedition is preparing to drill into a massive subglacial lake hidden beneath the icy depths of Antarctica. This ambitious project has enormous potential to reveal the secrets of the continent’s unique ecosystem and the possibility of life forms surviving in harsh conditions.

Scientists believe the lake has been isolated for at least 3 million years

The purpose of this expedition is the subglacial lake Qilin, which China will name in 2022. Located 3,600 meters below the Princess Elizabeth Land ice sheet, the lake has a surface area of ​​370 square kilometers and a depth of up to 200 meters. Remarkably, scientists believe this lake has been isolated from the outside world for at least 3 million years, making it a prime target for studying potential life forms that may have adapted to these extreme conditions.

In addition to the potential for biological discovery, the project also has implications for understanding the bigger picture of our planet’s history and future. Studying the lake’s history can provide valuable information about past climate fluctuations, and studying the lake’s formation and interaction with the ice sheet can provide important information about the evolution of Antarctica’s ice landscape.

However, entering such a fragile environment brings its own problems. The China Polar Research Institute is currently working on the development of key technologies that will enable clean and regenerative drilling, as well as safe and efficient sampling and pollution control. China aims to bring new knowledge and scientific understanding to ongoing studies of subglacial lakes, building on experiences from previous successful expeditions carried out by other countries.