Deep Earth Movements Caused Early Freezing of Antarctica

August 25, 2026

Scientists have uncovered how deep earth movements led to early freezing in Antarctica millions of years before similar conditions emerged in the Arctic.

Slow-moving waves within the planet gradually elevated East Antarctica, forming mountains and a high plateau that trapped snow and ice despite warmer global temperatures.

The formation of glaciers on these elevated surfaces reflected sunlight, further cooling the region and solidifying its icy landscape.

Read the full article here:

Forces deep inside Earth helped Antarctica freeze before the Arctic

Scientists may have solved the mystery of why Antarctica froze millions of years before the Arctic. Slow-moving waves deep inside Earth gradually lifted East Antarctica, building mountains and a high plateau where snow and ice could survive even in a much warmer world. Once glaciers took hold, their bright surfaces reflected sunlight and helped cool the region further.