November 15, 2024

A Search for the World’s Oldest Ice

Science & Technology

A Search for the World’s Oldest Ice

By Julia Xiao

Scientists believe that the world’s oldest ice has yet to be found and is possibly in Antarctica. This frozen continent holds ice that is several hundred thousands and even millions years old and the scientists are hoping to find it.

Some people have claimed to have found a 8 million year old piece of ice found in a glacier, but some experts have their doubts.

But even scientists that search for ancient ice are not sure how long the ice lasted. John Higgins, a geochemist at Princeton University, said that he would be surprised if a 5 million year old ice was found, but he said that it would be possible to have existed.

The ice from Antarctica can help scientists understand the different gases that were present in the air throughout the history of our planet. This will give us a greater understanding of the environment of the past.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2020/12/26/949159524/scientists-have-found-some-truly-ancient-ice-but-now-they-want-ice-thats-even-ol
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