Read, Watch or Listen

New research reveals a significant 30-meter drop in global sea levels 15-6 million years ago, caused by a 35% reduction in oceanic crust production. This slowdown deepened ocean basins and reduced thermal output from the mantle, leading to global cooling, expanding ice caps, and transforming marine ecosystems. The findings, based on analyses of crustal age and sedimentary deposits, highlight the profound impact of Earth's internal processes on surface conditions and offer valuable context for understanding current environmental changes.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.