Here we concentrate on the record below the lower core break because in this interval several sections on continental margins show high sea-level stands which have been interpreted in terms of major reductions of Antarctic ice volume. From 3.5 Ma on, across the Early-Late Pliocene boundary at 3.4 Ma, and up to 3.26 Ma there is very little IRD in the samples, but the oxygen-isotope curves show only small, negative excursions (only about 0.2 per mil lighter than calculated Holocene values). In the record younger than 3.26 Ma there is only one interval without IRD, extending from 3.095 to 3.074 Ma, yet the benthic oxygen- isotope record (Cibicidoides) reveals no warming/reduction in ice volume at this time. We have two planktic oxygen-isotope records. One, based on Globigerina bulloides, does allow some warming/ice reduction. There are, however, problems with this particular species. Therefore, a new record was generated, based on Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral). This record, like the benthic one, shows essentially no decline below Holocene values.
After 3.074 Ma, there is almost constant ice-rafting to Site 704, at a distance of more than 2,500 km from the nearest possible source. Despite the low level of IRD in these cores (because of distance and a southern position of the Polar Front at this time), several well-defined ice-rafting episodes can be identified which coincide with positive excursions of the oxygen-isotope curve. These facts are difficult to reconcile with a postulated major deglaciation of East Antarctica, but they do not rule out a disappearance of the West Antarctic ice sheet, particularly in the early Early Pliocene (refer to Hodell and Warnke, 1991, Q.S.R., v.10, p. 205-214). Our interpretation is based on one drill site only and on calculated Holocene values, and should be considered within these limitations.