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progressive cooling of earths surface.

earths heat balance could change as orbit alters.solar radiation fluctuations, periodic changes in earth tilt and orbit.

loss of heat from earths surface through reduction of carbon dioxide content of atmosphere.

volcanic eruptions, short term cooling of globe could increase effect if lots erupted over longer periods of time.

volcanoes and climate, the little ice age 1645-1715.

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changes in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching different parts of the Earth's surface. These changes lead to the reduction of temperature and the accumulation of ice, resulting in glacial periods.

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What are the causes of inter-glacial periods?

Inter-glacial periods are caused by changes in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount and distribution of solar radiation reaching the planet's surface. These changes lead to shifts in climate patterns, including periods of warmer temperatures that characterize inter-glacial periods. Additionally, factors such as greenhouse gas concentrations and volcanic activity can also influence the onset and duration of inter-glacial periods.


What is the difference between glacial and interglacial?

Glacial periods refer to times of extensive ice coverage on Earth, while interglacial periods are warmer intervals between glacial periods when the ice retreats. Glacial periods typically involve lower global temperatures and ice sheet expansion, while interglacial periods are characterized by higher temperatures and diminished ice coverage.


Why does sea level rise and fall during inter glacial and glacial periods?

Sea level rises and falls during glacial and interglacial periods due to changes in the volume of ice stored on land. During glacial periods, glaciers and ice sheets expand, drawing water from the oceans and lowering sea level. In contrast, during interglacial periods, these ice masses melt and contribute water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.


Why were there periods of alternating glacial and warm condititons?

Periods of alternating glacial and warm conditions, known as ice ages, are caused by variations in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount of solar radiation reaching different parts of the planet. These changes lead to shifts in climate patterns, resulting in cycles of glacial advance and retreat over time. Other factors, such as atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and geological processes, also contribute to these variations.


Why do glacial periods occur?

Glacial periods occur due to variations in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface. These changes lead to cooler temperatures and the accumulation of ice sheets over thousands of years. Additional factors like volcanic activity and the distribution of land masses can also influence the onset and duration of glacial periods.

Related questions

What are the causes of inter-glacial periods?

Inter-glacial periods are caused by changes in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount and distribution of solar radiation reaching the planet's surface. These changes lead to shifts in climate patterns, including periods of warmer temperatures that characterize inter-glacial periods. Additionally, factors such as greenhouse gas concentrations and volcanic activity can also influence the onset and duration of inter-glacial periods.


What is the difference between glacial and interglacial?

Glacial periods refer to times of extensive ice coverage on Earth, while interglacial periods are warmer intervals between glacial periods when the ice retreats. Glacial periods typically involve lower global temperatures and ice sheet expansion, while interglacial periods are characterized by higher temperatures and diminished ice coverage.


What is the time between glacial periods called?

The time between glacial periods is called an interglacial period. It is characterized by warmer temperatures and the retreat of glaciers.


What is a Periods of rapid glacial movement are referred to as?

Periods of rapid glacial movement are referred to as glacial surges. These events are characterized by a sudden increase in glacial velocity, resulting in the movement of large quantities of ice over short periods of time. Glacial surges can drastically reshape the landscape and contribute to changes in local ecosystems.


Are glacial periods caused by changing in the tilt of the Earth's axis?

Glacial periods are primarily driven by variations in Earth's orbit, such as changes in its tilt and eccentricity. These changes affect the amount of sunlight reaching different parts of the Earth, which can lead to colder temperatures and the growth of glaciers. Other factors, such as volcanic activity and greenhouse gas concentrations, can also influence the climate during glacial periods.


Is Pleistocene epoch is the only glacial period for which evidence exists?

No, the Pleistocene epoch is not the only glacial period for which evidence exists. Earth has experienced multiple glacial periods throughout its history, with the Pleistocene being the most recent and best-documented glacial period. Other major glacial periods include the Huronian glaciation and the Snowball Earth episodes.


Why does sea level rise and fall during inter glacial and glacial periods?

Sea level rises and falls during glacial and interglacial periods due to changes in the volume of ice stored on land. During glacial periods, glaciers and ice sheets expand, drawing water from the oceans and lowering sea level. In contrast, during interglacial periods, these ice masses melt and contribute water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.


Why were there periods of alternating glacial and warm condititons?

Periods of alternating glacial and warm conditions, known as ice ages, are caused by variations in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount of solar radiation reaching different parts of the planet. These changes lead to shifts in climate patterns, resulting in cycles of glacial advance and retreat over time. Other factors, such as atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and geological processes, also contribute to these variations.


Why do glacial periods occur?

Glacial periods occur due to variations in Earth's orbit and tilt, which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface. These changes lead to cooler temperatures and the accumulation of ice sheets over thousands of years. Additional factors like volcanic activity and the distribution of land masses can also influence the onset and duration of glacial periods.


What is difference between glacial and interglacial time periods?

Glacial time periods are characterized by extensive ice sheets covering large portions of the Earth, leading to lower global temperatures and sea levels. Interglacial time periods are warmer intervals between glacial periods when the ice sheets retreat, resulting in higher global temperatures and sea levels. These cycles are driven by changes in Earth's orbit and axial tilt.


How many glacial periods have there been during the last two million years?

There have been multiple glacial periods, known as ice ages, during the last two million years. These ice ages are characterized by intervals of cold climate when ice sheets covered much of the Earth's surface. The exact number of glacial periods can vary depending on the scientific definition used.


What causes glacial groove?

Glacial grooves are caused by the ice picking up boulders and scraping them across the bedrock.