A study published in Nature Communications has unveiled significant insights into the instability of the Antarctic ice sheet, examining climatic records dating back over 20 million years.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and the University of Southampton conducted this study, revealing that the early ice ages of Earth were highly sensitive to the planet's orbital eccentricity. This suggests that the Antarctic ice sheet is less stable than previously believed.
The study indicates that the Antarctic ice sheet has undergone regular fluctuations in size, akin to a heartbeat, with varying 'rhythms' detected in different ocean regions. The authors highlight that these variations should not occur, as the climatic impact of the Antarctic ice sheet should be uniformly reflected across the ocean.
These fluctuations are attributed to changes in Earth's orbit around the Sun, which affects the planet's temperature and, in turn, the stability of the ice sheet. During periods of increased eccentricity, the ice sheet is more prone to rapid melting.
Analyzing geological core samples from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program expedition in 2012, the researchers established a new climatic reference point for understanding past climate changes. The findings underscore the potential implications for future climate scenarios if current greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated.