A wandering Gondawanaland's impact on summer temperatures

Abstract

The effect of the position of Gondawanaland on summer temperatures is examined with a coupled energy balance climate‐sea ice model that includes the ice‐albedo feedback. These temperatures are important in determining when ice‐free conditions can exist near the south pole. Results show that when the land mass is centered on the south pole summer temperatures are warmer than when the pole is located at the continental edge; however, this warming is moderated by the ice‐albedo feedback. In addition, results indicate that paleogeography influences the magnitude of moisture transport toward the pole, affecting the initiation of glaciation.