Millions of years ago, the Antarctic was a lush rainforest, according to researchers who analyzed sediment samples from an Antarctic drill core. The samples, taken from nearly 1,000 meters below the surface, contained pollen and spores that proved the existence of palms and other tropical plants in the region 46 to 52 million years ago. The analysis showed that temperatures in the area were around 20 degrees Celsius, and even at night, they did not drop below 10 degrees Celsius. The researchers also found evidence of a temperate rainforest in the interior of the continent, similar to the rainforests of New Zealand.
The researchers believe that the high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and changes in warm ocean currents caused by continental drift were responsible for the drastic climate change that transformed the Antarctic from a rainforest to a frozen wasteland. The study’s lead author, Kevin Welsh, warned that if CO2 levels continue to rise, the world could face catastrophic changes, including an 80-meter rise in sea levels. Currently, we are in a warm phase of an ice age, which makes up only 20% of the Earth’s history. Some scientists believe that an ice-free Earth is the norm, and the global melting of ice is inevitable.
The discovery of a rainforest in the Antarctic millions of years ago sheds light on the Earth’s complex and ever-changing climate. The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to climate change and the need to take action to prevent catastrophic consequences.
