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Mantle Wave Uplift Raised Gamburtsev, Triggered Ice Sheet 34 Myr Ago

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

University of Southampton scientists reported mantle-wave uplift triggered the East Antarctic Ice Sheet about 34 million years ago.
The uplift lifted the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains to roughly 11,120 feet and raised most of East Antarctica above the 1.5-2 km threshold by 34 million years ago, with about 90 % exceeding it.
Models showed the uplift made the highlands temperature-sensitive, starting a feedback loop around 40 million years ago (published in Science on 2 July 2026).

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Story summary

University of Southampton scientists reported mantle-wave uplift triggered the East Antarctic Ice Sheet about 34 million years ago.
The uplift lifted the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains to roughly 11,120 feet and raised most of East Antarctica above the 1.5-2 km threshold by 34 million years ago, with about 90 % exceeding it.
Models showed the uplift made the highlands temperature-sensitive, starting a feedback loop around 40 million years ago (published in Science on 2 July 2026).