Antarctica's Early Freeze Explained: a Clue to Climate History

WHO:

Gizmodo - Thomas Gernon, a professor of Earth science at the University of Southampton, is the lead author of the study.

WHAT:

Gizmodo - Antarctica froze over approximately 34 million years ago.

Phys.org - East Antarctica contains the largest ice sheet on Earth, which could raise global sea levels by 52 meters (171 feet) if it fully melted.

Gizmodo - The study published in the journal Science suggests that regional topographical uplift contributed to the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets.

Gizmodo - The research indicates that by 45 million years ago, East Antarctica's landscape had risen enough for mountain glaciers to form.

WHERE:

Gizmodo - East Antarctica is home to the largest ice sheet in the world.

Gizmodo - The Dronning Maud Land and Transantarctic Mountains are locations where geological evidence of uplift can be dated.

Gizmodo - The Gamburtsev mountains are located beneath 2 miles (3 km) of ice in Antarctica.

WHEN:

Gizmodo - The continental breakup that contributed to the uplift occurred during the Jurassic period, roughly 170 million years ago.

Gizmodo - The uplift of East Antarctica is predicted to have occurred around 100 million years after the continental breakup.

WHY:

Gizmodo - The study suggests that the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets was influenced by regional topographical uplift, in addition to declining levels of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Gizmodo - Gernon states that elevation and latitude are critical in determining whether an ice sheet can stabilize.

HOW:

Gizmodo - Researchers used computer models to simulate the effects of mantle waves on East Antarctica's elevation.

Gizmodo - The study describes "mantle waves" as disturbances that occur when molten material from Earth's mantle rises, cools, and sinks, causing uplift.

Gizmodo - Thermochronology was used to date the uplift in exposed rock areas, providing geological evidence for the study's predictions.

(UPDATED July 7, 2026 01:39 UTC)

A new study led by Thomas Gernon, a professor of Earth science at the University of Southampton, reveals that Antarctica froze over approximately 34 million years ago due to regional topographical uplift. This research, published in the journal Science, indicates that East Antarctica's landscape rose enough for mountain glaciers to form by 45 million years ago, and if the largest ice sheet on Earth were to fully melt, it could raise global sea levels by 52 meters. Researchers utilized computer models and thermochronology to simulate and date the geological uplift, shedding light on the critical role of elevation and latitude in stabilizing ice sheets.