Jääkautisesta

Jääkautisesta is a Finnish term referring to a historical period of glaciation. This term encompasses the extensive ice sheets that covered large parts of the Earth's surface during glacial periods, which are recurring epochs of lower temperatures. These periods are characterized by the formation and expansion of continental glaciers and ice sheets.

The last major glacial period, often referred to as the Pleistocene epoch or the Quaternary glaciation, significantly shaped the Earth's landscapes. During this time, ice sheets advanced and retreated multiple times, carving out valleys, creating moraines, and influencing sea levels. The presence of vast amounts of water locked up in ice reduced global sea levels, exposing land bridges that facilitated the migration of animals and early humans.

The study of jääkautisesta involves analyzing geological evidence such as glacial till, erratics, and landforms like U-shaped valleys and fjords. Paleoclimate proxies, such as ice cores and sediment layers, provide crucial data about past temperatures, atmospheric composition, and ice extent. Understanding these past glacial periods is vital for comprehending long-term climate change patterns and their impact on ecosystems and human history. The cycles of glaciation and interglacial periods continue to be a subject of scientific research.