1. Increased Volcanic Activity: The Earth experienced widespread volcanic activity during the later stages of the Cryogenian period. This volcanism released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
2. Tectonic Plate Movement: The movement of tectonic plates played a crucial role in ending the ice age. As tectonic plates shifted, continental land masses collided, forming new mountain ranges. This mountain-building process uplifted vast areas of the Earth's surface, which led to increased erosion and the release of carbon dioxide from carbonate rocks.
3. Changes in the Earth's Orbit: The Earth's orbit around the Sun is not fixed and experiences slight variations over long periods. During the late Cryogenian, the Earth's orbit shifted in a way that increased the amount of solar radiation reaching the planet. This increase in solar energy contributed to the melting of glaciers and the eventual end of the ice age.
4. Feedback Mechanisms: As the ice sheets began to melt, they started absorbing more solar energy, further accelerating the melting process. Additionally, the melting ice released freshwater into the oceans, which altered ocean currents and affected global climate patterns. These feedback mechanisms contributed to the rapid retreat of ice sheets and the transition from an ice age to a warmer period known as the Ediacaran period.