jäätusaega
Jäätusaega, often translated as "ice age" or "glacial period," refers to a prolonged interval of time characterized by the presence of continental ice sheets and alpine glaciers. These periods are a natural part of Earth's long-term climate history, occurring over geological timescales. During a jäätusaega, significant portions of the planet's landmasses, particularly in the higher latitudes, become covered in vast sheets of ice. This glaciation dramatically impacts global sea levels, as water is locked up in the ice, leading to a lowering of sea levels. Conversely, when the ice sheets melt, sea levels rise.
The Earth has experienced numerous jäätusaega throughout its history, with the most recent one, the Quaternary