Core Insights - An international research team has discovered vast flat landforms beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, formed by ancient river systems, which move slower compared to glaciers in deep troughs [1] - This finding enhances the scientific understanding of glacier loss estimates in the region [1] Research Findings - The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, indicates that approximately 40% of the 3,500 kilometers of coastline in East Antarctica has flat landforms beneath the ice sheet [1] - These flat landforms are believed to have been formed millions of years ago through sedimentation by rivers and are separated by deep troughs [1] - Glaciers in the troughs are moving rapidly and contributing to sea level rise, while those on the flat landforms exhibit significantly slower movement [1] Implications for Climate Change - The new topographical information allows researchers to better understand the characteristics of glacier movement in the area [1] - This understanding aids in predicting the potential disappearance of East Antarctic glaciers under various climate change scenarios [1]