SMRTR Science & EngineeringMar 4, 2026Live Science

When was the last time Antarctica was ice-free?

SMRTR summary

Antarctica was last completely ice-free 34 million years ago, when global temperatures were 14 degrees Fahrenheit warmer and the continent resembled northern Canada's tundra and forests. The ice sheet formation resulted from declining atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and the opening of Drake Passage, which created ocean currents that isolated Antarctica from warm air masses.

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