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New research provides the first evidence that icebergs from Greenland carried large rock fragments to Iceland more than 1,400 years ago. This finding helps us understand how climate change affected the Earth during the Late Antique Little Ice Age (LALIA).

Led by Dr. Christopher Spencer from Queen’s University, the study, first published in Geology, is the first to provide direct evidence of Greenlandic ice-rafted debris (IRD) in Iceland. It connects this debris to significant changes in the environment that happened during the cooling period, which contributed to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. 

The international team found rock types in Iceland that cannot be found there today. By tracing the rocks back to Greenland using advanced dating techniques, the study helps scientists understand how past climate changes played out – and what we might expect in the future. This discovery not only fills a major gap in our understanding of North Atlantic iceberg transport but also underscores how sensitive Earth’s climate system is to even small shifts in temperature and ocean circulation. The research shows that shifts in glaciers and ocean flow aren’t just ancient history – they’re active forces shaping our planet right now.

Dr. Spencer is available to speak on how this discovery connects geology, climate, and history – and what it teaches us about the risks of today’s changing climate.

To arrange an interview, please contact: 
Andrew Carroll                           Julie Brown
Media Relations Officer             Media Manager
Queen’s University                    Queen’s University
613-876-8059                            343-363-2763
andrew.carroll@queensu.ca      julie.brown@queensu.ca