The Antarctic Ice Sheet Formed By Ideal Coincidence

Tectonic shifts and a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide allowed the development of the mighty ice sheet, the fate of which now hangs in the balance.

By Joshua Rapp Learn
Feb 21, 2022 5:35 PMFeb 21, 2022 5:37 PM
Antarctica ice Neumayer Channel
(Credit: Amelie Koch/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Millions of years ago, Antarctica wasn’t quite the ice box it is today. While still chilly by the rest of the world’s standards, the great southern continent likely had periods of relative warmth compared to modern temperatures.  

To set the scene: the Americas and Australia were previously attached to Antarctica through land bridges. But everything changed roughly 34 million years ago when movements under the Earth’s crust propelled the landmass to split off. 

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.