According to the passage, which of the following is the most accurate statement of what scientists believed, prior to the GRIP findings, about Earth's climate? A. Over the course of Earth's history, interglacials have become progressively milder B. Earth's overall climate has been generally mild since the planet's formation C. During both interglacials and ice ages, Earth's climate has fluctuated violently. D. During ice ages, Earth's climate has been highly variable, whereas during interglacials it has been mild and stable. E. During interglacials, Earth's climate has been highly variable, whereas during ice ages it has been uniformly cold and icy.