Glaciáció

Glaciáció refers to the process of glaciation, the formation and expansion of glaciers or ice sheets. This geological phenomenon can occur on a continental scale, leading to ice ages, or on a more localized scale, creating mountain glaciers. The primary driver of glaciation is a sustained period of colder temperatures, which causes more snow to fall in winter than melts in summer, leading to the accumulation and compression of snow into ice.

During periods of extensive glaciation, vast ice sheets can cover large portions of continents, significantly altering landscapes. As glaciers move, they exert immense erosional power, carving out valleys, fjords, and cirques, and depositing vast amounts of sediment, known as till. The presence of ice sheets also affects global sea levels, as water is locked up in the ice, causing sea levels to drop. Conversely, the melting of glaciers leads to rising sea levels.

The Earth has experienced numerous glacial and interglacial periods throughout its history. These cycles are often linked to variations in Earth's orbit, known as Milankovitch cycles, which influence the amount of solar radiation reaching the planet. Understanding glaciation is crucial for comprehending past climate changes, predicting future climate trends, and studying the geological evolution of Earth's surface. The study of past glaciations, paleoglaciology, utilizes evidence from glacial landforms, ice cores, and sedimentary records.