Scientists from the University of Southampton have put forward a fresh explanation for how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet formed. As detailed in a study published in the journal Science, the rise of mountain ranges played a central role, rather than just a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels alone.
The researchers modeled the interplay between tectonic activity and climate, concluding that after the breakup of Gondwana, the interior of Antarctica gradually uplifted. Some mountains rose above the snow line, enabling ice and snow to persist year-round, even under relatively mild climatic conditions.
According to the scientists, the accumulation of ice triggered shifts in the climate. The air grew drier, holding less water vapor, which caused temperatures to continue falling and further intensified the glaciation process.
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