Scientists have identified 207 possible volcanoes beneath Antarctica's ice sheet that may be accelerating ice melt and raising global sea levels, according to research published in Earth-Science Reviews. The subglacial volcanic structures could alter ice sheet stability and promote faster glacier movement toward the ocean.

Lead researcher Cui Xiangbin explained that heat from these hidden volcanoes can change subglacial topography and affect ice flow dynamics. Scientists compiled data from radar surveys, satellite imagery, and volcanic records, finding many clusters concentrated in West Antarctica.

As Antarctic ice melts, global sea levels rise, threatening coastal infrastructure with flooding and saltwater contamination. This discovery represents a significant factor in ice sheet stability, potentially contributing to the predicted $882 billion worth of U.S. homes at risk from sea-level rise by 2100. The new inventory will help improve ice-sheet models and better predict future changes.