Thread: Ice cap formation leads to warming?

Hi,

Why would the formation of an ice cap lead to an increase in the global average temperature?

If anyone wants to know, the formation of a large ice cap over Antarctica during the late Miocene period caused a drop in sea level and a slight warming period. I'm trying to figure out why it warmed. The only thing that I can think of is that the drop in sea level may have reduced precipitation. The specific focus is on Africa.

Thanks.

i thought long lemi edit this...

That's NOT what I'm asking. I'm asking why the formation of an ice cap would increase warming.

Also, I don't think the melting of the ice caps would necessarily cause global warming. I think that if the ice caps melt there would be a major decrease in earth's albedo, leading to a massive increase in the amount of incoming solar flux absorbed. That would increase temperature.

ya i know i posted rong sorry