New Theory Explains Ancient Antarctic Glaciation

For decades, scientists believed that dropping carbon dioxide levels were the only cause of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet forming 34 million years ago.

However, a groundbreaking study published in Science in July 2026 offers a new perspective: geological 'preconditioning.'

During the Jurassic Period, the breakup of continents triggered slow-moving 'mantle waves' that traveled beneath Antarctica.

These waves stripped material from the crust, causing the continent to rise significantly.

This uplift pushed the Gamburtsev Mountains to heights over 2 kilometers, creating a cold, high-altitude plateau.

Even while the global climate remained relatively warm, these peaks reached a 'critical elevation' where snow could persist year-round.

Once glaciers formed, they triggered a cooling feedback loop—the albedo effect, where ice reflects sunlight, further lowered temperatures.