A review of Antarctic ice sheet fluctuations records during Cenozoic and its cause and effect relation with the climatic conditions

Abstract

Antarctic cryosphere has significant impact on the global climate system by influencing the ocean currents, the atmosphere, and the sea level for long term durations. Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) has evolved from temporary to permanent ice sheet during Oligocene (~32 Ma). Throughout its evolution, it witnessed severe climatic conditions leading to several phases of retreat and advancements. Major climatic events were directly associated with the evolution of AIS. Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO, ~44.9 Ma), Eocene Oligocene Boundary (Oi1 event, ~34 Ma), Oligocene-Miocene Boundary (Mi1 event ~25Ma), Mid Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO; ~15Ma), Miocene-Pliocene Boundary (~3Ma) and Mid-late Pleistocene Transition (MPT, after ~1.25 Ma) are the major reported global climatic events. This work summarises these events and critically reviews the role of various factors in the advancement and retreat of AIS and its coupled response to the global climate change including future global challenges. Existing knowledge gaps and challenges are outlined for each of the climatic events and priorities for future research are suggested.