New study reveals how did Antarctic deep waters end the last Ice Age?

Antarctic Bottom Water expansion triggered carbon release and ended the last Ice Age (Image: Canva)

New research reveals Antarctic deep-water expansion ended the last Ice Age. Scientists traced ancient circulation changes using deep-sea sediment core samples. Their findings reshape understanding of carbon release during global deglaciation. The study highlights crucial links between ocean circulation and climate change.

Tracing Ancient Ocean Movements

Researchers examined nine sediment cores surrounding the Antarctic continental margin. These cores preserved chemical fingerprints recording past deep-water behaviour. They analysed neodymium isotopes indicating origins of bottom-water masses. Results uncovered major shifts during Earth’s transition from glacial conditions.

Team Behind The Breakthrough

An international team led the study across multiple collaborating institutions. Experts in geochemistry and palaeoclimate jointly interpreted the isotope data. Their coordinated approach strengthened evidence for circulation-driven carbon release. The findings emerged through long-term Southern Ocean sediment research programmes.

Revealing Carbon-Shifting Waters

Antarctic Bottom Water expanded rapidly during two distinct phases. This expansion replaced old stagnant deep-water rich in carbon. The process mixed deep reservoirs with upper ocean layers globally. Massive carbon dioxide escaped into the atmosphere during these transitions.

Implications For Earth’s Future

The circulation shift significantly influenced Earth’s natural warming trajectory. It explains atmospheric carbon increases during the Ice Age’s final stages. The mechanism reshapes climate models predicting ocean-atmosphere carbon exchanges. Understanding past patterns helps anticipate responses to modern warming.

Mechanisms Driving Ocean Change

Warming altered sea-ice formation controlling deep-water production dynamics. Freshwater changes influenced density gradients driving ocean overturning strength. These interactions triggered widespread circulation restructuring across Southern Ocean regions. The process ultimately accelerated global climate recovery following glacial decline.