Introduction to Glaciation Flashcards
What is glaciation
A process or state of being when ice covers and flows over land
What is an ice age
A period of time when ice sheets are found on continents. e.g. Greenland and Antartica
We still have glaciers on land today, so strictly speaking one could argue we are still in an Ice Age
Where can ice sheets be found today?
Greenland and Antartica
How long has the recent Ice age lasted?
The recent ice age has lasted approximately 2m years and is known as the PLEISTOCENE ERA
During this time the ice has advanced and retreated leaving many impressive glacial landscape features behind
Are special names given to the periods of time when glaciers advance and retreat
Yes, warmer periods are known as INTERGLACIAL PERIODS and colder periods are known as GLACIAL periods
What was the extent of the ICE accross the UK during the hieght of the Pleistocene era
Know how to show the ice over all but Southern island, then from bristol wash up the centre of the uk in a camel shaped hump over to east anglia
How is it possible to tell that ICE travelled this far
Glacial landforms in Scotland and the Lake District give good evidence of glaciation
A new ice layer develops each year and core ice drilling reveals rings for each year.
An analysis of the chemical composition of the air trapped in each ring, allows you to infer what the climate was like at that time
Evidence of warmer climates can also be found e.g. Fossils of Lions and Rhino have been found below Trafalagar Square
can give a good indication
