Seabed sand grains reveal ancient ice sheets

In homage to the Ig Nobel prize 24/7 lectures, here is my PhD topic.

First, a complete, technical description, in 24 seconds
Then, a clear summary that anyone can understand, in 7 words

In 24 seconds

Rising seas will affect millions. What will Antarctica do as the world heats? What did it do last time Earth got warm? Was there ice in the middle of West Antarctica?

Icebergs carry sand grains from under the ice out to sea. I track them back with their isotope fingerprints and find where the ice was millions of years ago. Plug that into a model, et voilá!*

In 7 words

Seabed sand fingerprints reconstruct ancient ice sheets.

*Significantly simplified (obviously). Maybe not even true, but I hope it will be… watch this space!