| Lake Whillans | |
|---|---|
  Lake Whillans | |
| Coordinates | 84°15′S 153°30′W / 84.250°S 153.500°W |
| Type | Subglacial |
| Basin countries | Antarctica |
| Surface area | 60 km2 (20 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 2 m (7 ft) |
Lake Whillans is a subglacial lake in Antarctica. The lake is located under the Whillans Ice Stream at the southeastern edge of the Ross Ice Shelf in the west of the continent. The lake surface is 800 m (2,600 ft) beneath the surface of the ice and the lake covers an estimated area of 60 km2 (20 sq mi). Lake depths measured thus far have been around 2 metres (7 feet).[1] Its temperature is −0.49 °C,[2] below 0 °C because of the high pressure.
Lake Whillans, like the Whillans Ice Stream, is named for Ohio State University glaciologist Dr. Ian Whillans.
- ^ Schiermeier, Quirin (11 February 2013). "Lake-drilling team discovers life under the ice". Nature. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ Peter Aldhous (Aug 23, 2014). "First samples of Antarctic lake reveal thriving life". New Scientist: 12. Archived from the original on August 23, 2014.