Final answer:
The 'Warm Arctic Cold Continents Pattern' refers to periods of historical climate change involving global cooling and the formation of ice ages and glaciers. The sequence of events typically starts with global cooling due to decreased CO2, followed by the formation of permanent ice sheets in Antarctica and repeated glaciation cycles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Warm Arctic Cold Continents Pattern" describes a climatic phenomenon wherein a warmer-than-average Arctic is associated with colder temperatures on adjacent continents, primarily noted during the winter months. This pattern is a subject of study in the context of historical climate changes, and understanding it involves piecing together a sequence of events based on geological and environmental evidence.
The correct chronological order of events begins with a global cooling phase, driven by a decrease in atmospheric CO2 levels. Subsequently, this leads to the formation of permanent ice sheets in Antarctica as CO2 concentrations fall below a critical threshold, compounded by changes in ocean circulation due to continental drift. The expansion of the Antarctic ice sheet is further evidence of this global cooling phenomenon, underpinned by a combination of diminishing CO2 and shifts in ocean circulation patterns.
Amidst these changes, the Earth has experienced ice ages and glaciations, where significant cooling has resulted in glaciers extending far south in the northern hemisphere. Glacial cycles have repeatedly occurred, and during these periods, the size and position of continents, ocean currents, and mountain ranges have all played roles in shaping global precipitation and climate patterns.