Scientists discover ancient phenomenon that could have contributed to the end of ice ages: '[It has] direct consequences'
By Catherine Wilkins
Published on March 3, 2026.
New research has revealed that meltwater from the Antarctic ice sheet has intensified stratification in the Southern Ocean, which may have contributed to the end of ice ages. The findings were made after studying changes in Southern Ocean surface conditions during the last two deglaciations. The research was led by François Fripiat from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Antarctica is losing ice mass at an average rate of 135 billion tons per year, resulting in rising sea levels and potentially threatening the environment and human lives. The primary driver of global sea-level rise is climate change. Reducing pollution that contributes to rising global temperatures is crucial to preventing ice melt and sea level rise.
Related Articles
3 rivers merge into striking half-and-half waterway in Guyana — Earth from space
A satellite image shows a multicolored merger of three distinct rivers in Guyana, highlighting human-caused sedimentation and environmental disruption due to mining and deforestation.
Scientists discover ancient phenomenon that could have contributed to the end of ice ages: '[It has] direct consequences'
Scientists discovered that ice melt from Antarctica intensified Southern Ocean stratification, potentially contributing to the end of the ice ages and raising sea levels globally.
Data center proposal in Lower Mount Bethel Township sparks wildlife concerns
A data center proposal in Lower Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, raises concerns about the welfare of protected eagles and potential violations of federal law.