Scientists Drill Ancient Ice Core to Reveal 1.2 Million Years of Climate History

ITItaly|

An international team of scientists has successfully drilled a nearly two-mile-deep ice core in Antarctica, uncovering ice that is at least 1.2 million years old. This significant achievement was made at the Little Dome C site, where the researchers aim to shed light on Earth's atmospheric and climatic history.

The findings are anticipated to provide insights into Ice Age cycles and the historical changes in atmospheric carbon levels. Carlo Barbante, an Italian glaciologist and project coordinator, emphasized the importance of this ice core for understanding past concentrations of greenhouse gases, dust, and climate evolution over millennia.

The project, known as Beyond EPICA, was made possible by the European Union and several contributing nations, with its completion taking four years of summer drilling efforts in extreme conditions. Previous studies from a related project revealed that greenhouse gas concentrations during warm periods of the last 800,000 years have not exceeded modern levels observed since the Industrial Revolution.

With the research community expressing enthusiasm, climate scientist Richard Alley noted that the drill reaching bedrock holds the potential for revealing even more about Earth's climate history beyond just ice records.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Italy

Strong Earthquake Rocks Naples, Leaving Residents on Edge

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area around Naples on March 14, 2025, marking the strongest seismic event in the region in the past 40 years, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. The quake occurred at 1:25 AM, with a depth of 2.5 kilometers, prompting terrified residents to flee their homes into the streets. In the aftermath, there were reports of light injuries and significant property damage, particularly in Bagnoli, a seaside district. Images revealed smashed car windows and damage to a local church. Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi reported that while one woman sustained injuries from a ceiling collapse, most of the 11 individuals who sought medical attention were suffering from panic attacks rather than serious injuries. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated she is closely monitoring the situation. The area has a history of seismic activity due to its status as Europe's largest volcanic caldera, which raises concerns among the approximately 500,000 residents living nearby.
ITItaly

Naples Faces Strongest Earthquake in Decades, Residents Evacuate to Safety

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake rocked Naples, Italy, early Thursday morning, marking the strongest seismic event in the Campi Flegrei area in nearly 40 years. The quake, which struck at 1:25 AM at a depth of 2.5 kilometers, resulted in minor injuries and significant property damage, compelling residents to flee into the streets, according to local officials. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi reported that one woman sustained ceiling-related injuries, while several others were treated for cuts from broken glass. A total of 11 individuals sought emergency care, many due to panic rather than severe injuries. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated her administration is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities. This recent tremor follows a similar quake in May 2024, which was noted as the largest in four decades, but did not result in injuries. The Campi Flegrei caldera, an active volcanic region, houses about 500,000 residents who have shown increasing concern regarding seismic activities. Authorities reassured the public that there is currently no imminent threat of a large-scale eruption.
ITItaly

Pope Francis in Critical Condition Following Respiratory Crisis

Pope Francis is currently in critical condition after experiencing a severe respiratory crisis that required high oxygen support, as reported by the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff has also received blood transfusions due to tests indicating a condition associated with anemia. Despite these challenges, the Vatican stated that he remains alert but is in increased pain compared to the previous day. Pope Francis has been hospitalized for over a week due to a complex lung infection, which includes pneumonia and another respiratory illness. Medical professionals have indicated that he will remain hospitalized for at least another week. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the primary concern for the Pope is the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that could arise as a complication of pneumonia. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, emphasized the fragility of the Pope's condition, noting that "he is not out of danger," underscoring the delicate state of his health.
ITItaly
All Italy News ->