Overview

• Unique drill core samples from West Antarctica provide new insights into ancient ice formation.
• East Antarctica began permanent glaciation around 34 million years ago, while West Antarctica remained ice-free.
• West Antarctica's ice formation lagged by 7 million years due to different climatic conditions.
• The study enhances understanding of historical climate transitions from greenhouse to icehouse.
• Findings highlight the varying responses of East and West Antarctica to climate changes.