Ancient amber discovery reveals Antarctica's lush past
The idea that Antarctica is more than just a vast expanse of snow and ice isn't particularly new. However, a recent scientific discovery gives this notion a concrete dimension. The finding, dating back 90 million years, could significantly alter our understanding of Antarctica's history.
According to ladbible.com, while Antarctica is typically known for its icy environment, evidence indicates that it wasn't always completely frozen. Scientists from Germany have recently found amber on the continent's western side, providing substantial support for this theory. They believe this discovery is a crucial clue in uncovering Antarctica's past.
It was very exciting to realise that, at some point in their history, all seven continents had climatic conditions allowing resin-producing trees to survive — said Johann Klages, head of research and marine geologist at the Alfred Wegener Institute, as quoted by ladbible.com.
Researchers now hope to learn more about the forest ecosystem that may have once existed in Antarctica. The presence of amber on the continent further supports the notion that trees once grew there. Scientists suspect that a swampy, temperate rainforest may have existed in this area. This discovery permits a more direct journey into the past — Klages added.
Amber is not the only evidence
Amber is not the sole evidence that trees existed in Antarctica. Scientists have previously discovered fossils of the continent's roots, pollen, and spores.
The estimated age of the amber, at 90 million years, suggests that trees likely thrived in this region during the Cretaceous period. The Cretaceous period is the final phase of the Mesozoic era, which lasted about 80 million years. This was when Earth experienced considerably warmer temperatures than it does today, with a very warm and quite humid climate prevailing globally. Antarctica was no exception.
