Explorers to get glimpse of a hidden world

Scientists believe that unique forms of microbial life might have evolved in the cold, dark and isolated environment of subglacial lakes in western Antarctica. The hope is that sediments will reveal clues to microbial life. The work also will give scientists more data to judge the current stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the likely consequences for future sea-level rise.

A team of British researchers hopes to unlock answers about the correlation between water and extreme conditions by drilling through 2 miles of solid ice to reach Lake Ellsworth on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

In this picture, an image of George VI Sound towards Alexander Island -- the largest island in Antarctica.

Aircraft delivering equipment to research team at Lake Ellsworth. Although scientists have been planning this project for nearly 15 years, they only now have access to the technology that will allow them to penetrate Antarctica's thickest ice and collect samples without contaminating this untouched and pristine environment.