Antarctica is probably among the least talked about continents. It’s just one giant block of ice, right? Apparently, not. A group of glaciologists—yes, scientists who study glaciers—led by the University of California-Irvine made amazing discoveries as they uncovered the frozen terrain hiding beneath the thick frost that envelops the land.

And now, they’re sharing findings that might just help humanity solve one of its most pressing problems. See a map of the Antarctic you’ve never seen before and find out what secrets have been hiding right under our feet for centuries.

An Entire Continent Of Ice

By the 1800s, humanity had set foot in almost all corners of the world, except for one. Until that time, Antarctica remained a mystery to the rest of the world. But how come it went uncharted for so long? The place isn’t exactly hard to miss, measuring a massive 7.3 million square miles during winter.

Well, the region is largely composed of ice, which isn’t exactly hospitable to people. With its temperatures falling to -76 degrees Fahrenheit, Antarctica’s environment is extremely difficult to survive without the right tools and clothes. That didn’t stop explorers from trying their luck and conquering the icy frontier.