Incredible Discoveries That Were Found Trapped in Ice For Decades

Specimens that are trapped in ice can be preserved for years without damaging the structures within them. That is why scientists have been able to study species that have long been extinct by simply charting to frigid climates.

Many animals and even other creatures have been found miles underground where the sun hasn’t shone for centuries.

Buried for years, (and sometimes, even centuries) these objects, places, and artifacts have been laying in wait for the day they might be discovered. So, prepare to witness some of the most incredible discoveries scientists have found buried and preserved in ice.

A Fish Frozen Halfway Through Its Meal

Well, there’s one thing we can say about this poor fish, at least it went happy. It was in the process of eating another fish when the temperature in the water got so cold that it simply froze mid-meal.

Fortunately, the fisherman that found this was able to retrieve it without harming the specimen.

Airplane Buried in Ice

In 1952, this military plane was on a flight towards Anchorage, Alaska. But somewhere along the way, it crashed into a glacier and killed 41 passengers. 11 crew members also lost their lives in the crash.

Sadly, rescue teams weren’t able to get to the wreckage, so the plane remained in the ice for 50 years before it was salvaged.

This Nodosaur

This nodosaur was buried in ice for approximately 110 million years. And judging from the carbon dates of the bones, this creature lived during the Cretaceous period. During this era, predators fought for supremacy, which is why this creature evolved and grew armor and spikes to protect itself.

The remains of this animal can greatly serve scientists in discovering more about current animal species.

The Frozen, But Living, Alligator

Sometimes, the cold weather can freeze an animal swimming in a body of water, like this alligator for instance. But notice how it has its face stuck above the ice? It’s doing this so it can breathe. That’s right.

It’s still alive and thanks to its physiology, it is able to survive in a state of hibernation until the ice thaws out.