Britain has received Antarctica’s oldest ice, potentially 1.5 million years old, to study Earth’s climate shifts. The ancient ice core was extracted from depths of up to 2,800 meters at Little Dome C in East Antarctica as part of an international effort.
Scientists at the British Antarctic Survey will analyze the samples, aiming to reconstruct 1.5 million years of climate history, exceeding the current record of 800,000 years. The research is expected to provide valuable insights into Earth’s climate evolution and greenhouse gas concentrations.
The project, Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice, involves researchers from European countries and institutions. Dr. Liz Thomas, head of the ice cores team, hopes to answer a key scientific question: why did the planet’s climate cycle shift around one million years ago.
By extending the ice core record, scientists aim to improve predictions of how Earth’s climate may respond to future greenhouse gas increases. The analysis will provide context for predicting climate change and offer vital insights into atmospheric CO2 levels and climate during a previously uncharted period in Earth’s history.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/antarcticas-oldest-ice-arrives-in-uk-for-analysis-on-climate-shifts-13398315