Question

question: which process or processes are responsible for the series of ice ages that occurred during the cenozoic era? answer options: select one of four glaciation and antarctic circumpolar current marine transgressions and regressions formation of passive and active margins plate tectonics

Explanation:

To determine the process responsible for Cenozoic ice ages, we analyze each option:

• "Glaciation and Antarctic circumpolar current": The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) formed during the Cenozoic, isolating Antarctica and enabling glaciation. Glaciation cycles (driven by orbital forcing, etc.) and the ACC’s role in cooling Antarctica are key to Cenozoic ice ages.
• "Marine transgressions/regressions": These relate to sea - level changes, not ice age causation.
• "Formation of passive/active margins": Margins relate to plate boundaries, not direct ice age drivers.
• "Plate tectonics": While plate movement influenced ACC formation, the direct processes for ice ages are glaciation and the ACC’s cooling effect.

Answer:

A. Glaciation and Antarctic circumpolar current