An Ice Age is a time where the entire earth’s climate is notably colder than the traditional temperatures. Additionally, there are large temperature differences between the poles and equator with continental sized glaciers covering enormous surface areas of the globe. They traditionally occur at 200 million year intervals and last for millions or tens of millions of years. In general, an Ice Age makes the globe inhabitable due to extreme weather conditions and lack of fresh water (Source 4). The glaciers that form during Ice Ages, proceed to move from areas of high elevation to those lower due to gravity. This process can alter rivers, destroy habitats, and deposit large amounts of glacial debris (Source 2).
There are two types of periods within an Ice Age; Glacial and Interglacial periods. When temperature drops and glaciers begin to form or grow a Glacial period is occurring. However, when the glaciers begin to recede or melt away the Interglacial period is occurring. We are currently in an Interglacial period that began 10,000 years ago. Scientists currently have evidence of four Ice Age occurrences (Source 1).
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6 comments:
This was a very nicely worded introduction to Ice Ages. I realize that I did not actually know what an Ice Age was. It was very informative and concise. I am just curious when those four Ice Ages occured and what happened in the world to make them end.
Meegs, this is a wondeful introduction to an information filled blog! The ice age is obviously important in relation to global warming so maybe at some point you could say how the two relate. I knew barely anything about the ice age and now, I feel very informed. Thank you. Great first post!
This is a great introduction to ice ages. I am quite interested in what the evidence is for these past ice ages. However, a more important question for your blog to address is probably if we're heading for another. I too am curious about how global warming could lead us to an ice age.
Great way to start out with "What is an Ice Age?" I did not know that we are in an interglacial period right now, that is pretty cool! I am excited to hear what you have to say about ice ages and global warming.
How did the Ice Ages End? Did the sun and other planets change too?
This is a very good introduction to Ice Ages. The fact that we are in an Interglacial Period now is very interesting. Good job!
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