Story perspectives

Mantle Waves Raised East Antarctica, Formed Ice Sheet 34 Myr Ago

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists led by Thomas Gernon published a Science study attributing mantle-wave uplift to Antarctica’s early glaciation.
The study links the Jurassic breakup of Antarctica and Africa 201–143 Myr ago to waves that raised East Antarctica’s interior 1.5–2 km 45 Myr.
By 34 Myr ago the uplift created the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, whose reflection of sunlight cooled the planet by 1.8 °F (1 °C) and whose timing is confirmed by thermochronology in Dronning Maud Land and Transantarctic Mountains.

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Story summary

Scientists led by Thomas Gernon published a Science study attributing mantle-wave uplift to Antarctica’s early glaciation.
The study links the Jurassic breakup of Antarctica and Africa 201–143 Myr ago to waves that raised East Antarctica’s interior 1.5–2 km 45 Myr.
By 34 Myr ago the uplift created the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, whose reflection of sunlight cooled the planet by 1.8 °F (1 °C) and whose timing is confirmed by thermochronology in Dronning Maud Land and Transantarctic Mountains.