jäätmisesaegne
jäätmisesaegne is an Estonian term that translates to "ice age" or "glacial period." It refers to a prolonged period of significant climatic cooling that results in the presence of extensive ice sheets and glaciers. These periods are characterized by much lower global temperatures than the interglacial periods that separate them. During jäätmisesaegne, large portions of the Earth's landmass, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, become covered by ice. This ice accumulation leads to a lowering of global sea levels as water is locked up in the ice sheets. The geological record, including landforms shaped by glaciers and evidence found in ice cores, provides clear indications of past jäätmisesaegne events. The most recent major jäätmisesaegne on Earth concluded approximately 11,700 years ago, marking the transition into the current Holocene epoch. Understanding jäätmisesaegne is crucial for comprehending long-term climate change, its impact on landscapes, and the evolution of life on Earth.