jégkorszakot

Jégkorszak, also known as an ice age, refers to a prolonged period of reduced temperature on Earth, resulting in the presence of glaciers and ice sheets. These glacial periods are typically defined by the presence of ice sheets at the poles and mid-latitudes.

The Earth has experienced several ice ages throughout its history, with the most recent one, the Pleistocene epoch, starting about 2.6 million years ago and ending approximately 11,700 years ago. During the Pleistocene, vast ice sheets covered large parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. These ice sheets significantly shaped the Earth's landscape through erosion and deposition, creating features like fjords, U-shaped valleys, and moraines.

The advance and retreat of glaciers during an ice age occur in cycles. The warmer periods between glacial advances are known as interglacials. These cycles are influenced by various factors, including changes in Earth's orbit (Milankovitch cycles), atmospheric composition, and volcanic activity.

The climate during an ice age was significantly colder and drier than today. Sea levels were much lower due to the water locked up in ice sheets, which allowed land bridges to form, facilitating the migration of animals and humans. The flora and fauna adapted to these harsh conditions, with many species evolving to survive in cold environments. The end of the last ice age marked a significant shift in climate, leading to the development of human civilization as we know it.