By using a fiber-optic cable to detect tiny vibrations a mile below the surface, scientists discovered a surprising way that ice sheets move.

The great ice streams of the Antarctic and Greenland are like frozen rivers, carrying ice from the massive inland ice sheets to the sea—and a change in their dynamics will contribute significantly to sea-level rise.

The research station and borehole are located on the North East Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS), significantly contributing to rising sea levels. Ice quakes were found to occur frequently, suggesting they might happen in ice streams worldwide. To confirm this, more seismic measurements will be needed in other boreholes.