ice age
The term "ice age" refers to prolonged periods of significant global cooling, leading to the expansion of ice sheets and glaciers.
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Definition
C1Geology
(scientific, academic)A prolonged period during which global temperatures drop significantly, causing large-scale ice sheets and glaciers to form and expand.
Example
- The last ice age peaked about 20,000 years ago, covering much of North America and Europe with ice.
C1Climatology
(scientific, academic)A long-term climatic phase characterized by alternating cycles of glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) periods.
Example
- During an ice age, the Earth experiences repeated cycles of cold glacial periods and warmer interglacial periods.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ice age":