Seafloor Spreading Slowdown May Have Caused 26–32m Sea Level Drop Over Millions of Years 2xb18

A substantial decline in ocean crust production between 15 million and 6 million years ago may have led to a sea level drop of 26–32 metres, comparable to the rise expected if the East Antarctic global sea levels over millions of years.

Tectonic Activity and Ocean Basin Deepening 665n57

According to a study published in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, ocean crust production declined by 35 percent during this period, primarily due to reduced seafloor spreading. Researchers calculated that this decrease resulted in deeper ocean basins, leading to a sea level drop of 26–32 metres. Various initial conditions for crust formation and destruction were considered to ensure accuracy in estimating the extent of sea level change.

Impact on Oceanic Heat Flow and Chemistry j6d1s

It has been rock formations in New Jersey and Nova Scotia, providing further for the estimated sea level drop.

Possible Links to Climate Cooling 182s3c

As per previous research, a slowdown in ocean crust production may have reduced volcanic emissions of greenhouse gases, contributing to global cooling. If this reduction in emissions occurred, the study suggests that additional factors, including thermal contraction of seawater and expansion of ice sheets, could have led to a further sea level drop of over 60 metres.