Stadials

A stadial is a period of colder climate within a glacial period. Glacial periods, also known as ice ages, are characterized by long intervals of cold temperatures and the presence of large ice sheets. Within these glacial periods, there are shorter, colder phases called stadials, interspersed with warmer phases called interstadials.

During stadials, ice sheets expand and temperatures drop significantly across the globe. These cold periods are often associated with drier conditions in many regions. The evidence for stadials comes from various sources, including ice cores, sediment cores from the ocean floor and lakes, and geological formations like moraines left behind by advancing glaciers. These records show distinct changes in ice volume, temperature proxies, and species distribution that correlate with stadial events.

The exact causes of stadials are still a subject of scientific research, but they are believed to be linked to complex interactions within the Earth's climate system. Factors such as changes in ocean circulation patterns, variations in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, and orbital cycles of the Earth are thought to play a role. The duration and intensity of stadials can vary, and they represent important fluctuations in the Earth's climate history, impacting ecosystems and human migration patterns throughout prehistory. Understanding stadials helps scientists reconstruct past climates and improve predictions for future climate change.