For example, the opening of the Drake Passage — due to plate-tectonic separation of South America from Antarctica — led to the development of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which isolated Antarcti...For example, the opening of the Drake Passage — due to plate-tectonic separation of South America from Antarctica — led to the development of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which isolated Antarctica from the warmer water in the rest of the ocean and thus contributed to Antarctic glaciation starting at around 35 Ma.
This section discusses the natural causes of changes in the Earth's climate over time. These include changes in the radiation from the Sun, changes in the tilt of the Earth, changes in Earth's orbit,...This section discusses the natural causes of changes in the Earth's climate over time. These include changes in the radiation from the Sun, changes in the tilt of the Earth, changes in Earth's orbit, changes in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, shifts in the location of land on earth through plate tectonics, and changes in ocean circulation.
