[Press Release] How the East Antarctic Ice Sheet’s history can tell a relevant story for today and beyond

Release Summary

To understand the present and try to predict the future, the past is a valuable tool. Researchers aim to understand the dynamics of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet in the Lützow-Holmbukta region with the goal of determining if rapid ice sheet thinning (from approximately 9,000 to 6,000 years ago) was followed by stabilization or re-thickening. This information is key to helping predict future responses to ice sheet thinning, as well as to get a clear picture of the current behavior of ice sheet thinning across the Antarctic. With this, future responses to climate change can be improved.

For Details (Eurekalert!)

• Title: Mid Holocene rapid thinning and rethickening of the East Antarctic ice sheet suggested by glacial isostatic adjustment
• Authors: Jun’ichi Okuno, Akihisa Hattori, Koichiro Doi, Yuichi Aoyama & Yoichi Fukuda
• Journal: Scientific Reports
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-24176-4

• National Institute of Polar Research
• Polar Science