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The last ice age is believed to have been triggered by the Milankovich cycles, which operate over the very long term and have great value as a theory to explain ice ages and long-term changes in the climate. Milankovich cycles can cause a very small reduction in average global temperatures over a period of centuries, but are considered too weak to be the only explanation of the ice ages. Scientists say that as the earth cooled slightly, as a result of a change in the Milankovich cycle, the level of atmospheric water vapour fell, resulting in a gradual further fall in temperatures. Eventually, carbon dioxide concentrations began to fall in tandem with falling water vapour levles, until an ice age was underway.

After a period of thousands of years, the cycle was self-correcting. Ice covered much of the seas, while the remainder of the ocean was too cold to absorb much carbon dioxide. Rising carbon dioxide levels began to warm the world once again, leading to higher water vapour levels and eventually a return to normal temperatures.

Milankovich cycles are considered unimportant for short term climate changes such as the present period of global warming.

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Did global warming bother humans just after the ice age?

After the ice age, humans likely did not directly recognize or attribute global warming as a concern. Instead, they would have been more focused on adapting to the changing environment and finding ways to survive in the new climatic conditions. The concept of global warming as a result of human activities is a more recent understanding.


What are some examples of climate?

The change from the last Ice Age till now. This took 12,000 years.The present climate change caused by the global warming that has been happening since the Industrial Revolution. This rapid warming has been most noticeable over the past 50 years.


Is there any rational chance emission reductions can forestall global warming?

Global warming is coming - whether we stop 'greenhouse gas' emissions or not ! We're still coming out of the last ice-age - therefore temperatures are going to continue to rise.


How can earth be in the middle of an ice age when it is experiencing global warming?

Earth is currently in an interglacial period within an ice age cycle, which means that although global temperatures are warming, the planet as a whole is still experiencing the effects of the ongoing ice age. The term "ice age" refers to a period of time when large portions of the Earth's surface are covered in ice sheets, which is distinct from short-term fluctuations in temperature like global warming.


What is worst global warming or global cooling and why?

If global cooling means the gradual cooling into an Ice Age, then that has happened in the past and it has taken thousands of years to happen. The present global warming has all happened far faster, in less than 200 years, and is threatening all life on the planet if we can't stop it. Global warming is by far the more dangerous situation.

Related Questions

What is the last age in simcity creator?

Post Global Warming, from the Global Warming Age.


What was the transition from paleolithic age to neolithic age caused by?

global warming


What was the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic age was caused by?

global warming


What is the connection of global warming into creation of an ice age?

Global warming may postpone the oncoming next ice age.


Who was regulating the greenhouse gases during the last global warming period when the ice age ended?

nobody


Did global warming bother humans just after the ice age?

After the ice age, humans likely did not directly recognize or attribute global warming as a concern. Instead, they would have been more focused on adapting to the changing environment and finding ways to survive in the new climatic conditions. The concept of global warming as a result of human activities is a more recent understanding.


What is the gradual increase in the temperature of Earth's atmosphere?

Global warming is the name given to the recent (over 200 years) gradual increase in the temperature of Earth's atmosphere.


What are some examples of climate?

The change from the last Ice Age till now. This took 12,000 years.The present climate change caused by the global warming that has been happening since the Industrial Revolution. This rapid warming has been most noticeable over the past 50 years.


How did the first ice age end?

the most reason able answer is because of global warming, and global warming is when The Earth's tempature rises


Is there any rational chance emission reductions can forestall global warming?

Global warming is coming - whether we stop 'greenhouse gas' emissions or not ! We're still coming out of the last ice-age - therefore temperatures are going to continue to rise.


What caused the extiction of the saber-toothed tiger?

Global climate change at the end of the last Ice Age.


Why do we not have as severe weather as to what we had in the ice age?

Because of global warming.