How ancient Scottish rocks throw ‘snowball Earth’ theory up in the air

The Guardian World

by Kate Ravilious

February 25, 2026

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Recent research on ancient Scottish rocks has challenged the long-held "snowball Earth" theory, which suggested that the planet was completely encased in ice around 700 million years ago, with no seasonal variations. By examining these rocks, scientists have discovered evidence of rare periods lasting just a few thousand years when the climate briefly awakened from its icy slumber. These findings suggest that the Earth's climate was not entirely dormant during this time, offering new insights into how the planet's environment functioned during one of the most extreme periods in its history. The "snowball Earth" theory once posited that the entire planet was covered in ice, effectively shutting down seasonal cycles and making life nearly impossible. However, the analysis of these Scottish rocks has revealed subtle geological clues indicating periodic climate activity. These periods of warming, though brief, suggest that even during the most severe glaciations, the Earth's climate system retained some level of dynamism. This new evidence challenges previous assumptions about the uniform stillness of the ancient climate and opens up new avenues for understanding how life could have persisted or emerged after such extreme conditions. This discovery is significant for readers interested in global events and environmental science, as it reshapes our understanding of Earth's climatic history. The findings not only highlight the planet's resilience but also provide valuable context for studying past climate fluctuations and their potential impacts on life. By revisiting long-held theories with new evidence, scientists are gaining a clearer picture of how Earth's climate has evolved over millions of years, offering lessons that could inform our understanding of modern-day climate change. This research underscores the importance of exploring even the most

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026