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Ancient Climate Fluctuations Discovered Amid Snowball Earth Conditions

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

During the Cryogenian Period (720–635 million years ago), Earth experienced climate fluctuations despite snowball Earth conditions.
The study, published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, analyzed 2,640 sediment layers from Scotland's Port Askaig Formation and found annual climate cycles.
The evidence includes solar cycles and El Niño-like events, indicating climate variability persisted with limited open-water areas.
The findings support the 'slushy Earth' hypothesis, implying a more dynamic climate.

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Story summary

During the Cryogenian Period (720–635 million years ago), Earth experienced climate fluctuations despite snowball Earth conditions.
The study, published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, analyzed 2,640 sediment layers from Scotland's Port Askaig Formation and found annual climate cycles.
The evidence includes solar cycles and El Niño-like events, indicating climate variability persisted with limited open-water areas.
The findings support the 'slushy Earth' hypothesis, implying a more dynamic climate.