A vast ancient landscape, untouched for more than 34 million years, has been discovered buried beneath more than a mile of ice in East Antarctica.

The hidden terrain lies in a remote region known as Wilkes Land, a part of East Antarctica roughly the size of Belgium and located deep inland, far from the coastline.

Using satellite data and ice-penetrating radar, scientists revealed that this ancient world, now sealed under ice, once featured rivers, forests, and possibly even palm trees. 

In fact, pollen from palm trees has previously been found along the nearby Antarctic coast, providing striking evidence of a once-lush environment.

Researchers estimate the buried landscape spans more than 12,000 square miles, about the size of Maryland.

'It's like uncovering a time capsule,' said Professor Stewart Jamieson, lead author of the study from Durham University.