Continental Glaciation in Gondwanaland during the Carboniferous Period

How did continental glaciers come to cover the south polar region of Gondwanaland midway through Carboniferous time?

What factors contributed to the formation of continental glaciers in the south polar region of Gondwanaland during the Carboniferous period?

Answer:

The correct answer is D. It occurred through greenhouse cooling likely resulting from carbon oxidation in coastal swamps initiated by the glacial episode.

During the Carboniferous period, the south polar region of Gondwanaland experienced the formation of continental glaciers. This glaciation occurred due to a combination of factors, including the presence of large amounts of organic material in coastal swamps and the subsequent burial and oxidation of this organic carbon.

As plants in the coastal swamps died, their organic material accumulated and became buried under layers of sediment. Over time, this organic material underwent a process called carbon oxidation, where it reacted with oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

The release of CO2 through carbon oxidation had a cooling effect on the climate, leading to a decrease in global temperatures. This cooling effect contributed to the formation of continental glaciers, including those that covered the south polar region of Gondwanaland during the Carboniferous period.