In two new studies, scientists say that the vast ice continent of
Antarctica seems to have given up tremendous volumes of ice -- even
sprouting considerable plant life -- during an era over 10 million years
ago when concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide don't seem to
have been all that much higher than they are now.
That period was
known as the Miocene. And during its early and middle phases, between
23 and 14 million years ago, carbon dioxide concentrations are believed
to have sometimes reached around 500 parts per million or somewhat
higher -- not so very far from the 400 parts per million (and rising)
where we stand today.
During this same era, finds the research,
the continent is believed to have lost volumes of ice equivalent to tens
of meters of sea level rise around the globe. Overall, Antarctica
currently contains enough ice to raise seas by some 60 metres, were it
to melt entirely.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11594191
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