In Antarctica, the breaking of an iceberg uncovered an ocean strip unseen by sunlight for years. Scientists, not very hopeful about what they would find, were astonished by their discovery. Researchers found a new ecosystem on the untouched seabed, believing they could identify dozens of new species on this historically significant discovery trip. How does so much life thrive under so much ice? While working along the coasts of Antarctica, researchers on board the research vessel Falkor witnessed a massive iceberg, about 30 kilometers long, breaking off and unveiling an ocean strip that had been in darkness for decades. The team on the research vessel Falkor decided to explore the newly exposed seabed. No research team had ever explored the deep sea there before. Expectations were not high as the research began. Scientists didn’t think that much life could develop under such a thick ice cover. However, what the team found beneath the iceberg surprised them: giant sea spiders, octopuses, ice fish, corals, and sponges. Among them was a species in the shape of a vase that could be hundreds of years old. Researchers believe they can identify dozens of new species on this discovery trip. Esquete, a researcher at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, said, “We were truly surprised and amazed by the rich ecosystems we found there.”The discovery provides an important foundation for understanding how deep-sea life may change on a warming planet. The great mystery off the coast of Antarctica encompasses the entire ecosystem: How does so much life thrive under so much ice? During the approximately one-month discovery trip, researchers used a remotely operated vehicle to take photographs and collect samples. Among the potentially new species for science are crustaceans, sea snails, worms, and fish. Months of laboratory analysis will be needed to confirm the discovery of any new species.