QUATERNARY GLACIATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Quaternary glaciation refers to the most recent geological period of extensive glaciation, which began around 2.6 million years ago and continues to the present day. It is characterized by the occurrence of major ice ages, or glacial periods, interspersed with shorter interglacial periods. The term "quaternary" refers to the geological time period in which this glaciation occurred, specifically the Quaternary period.
During quaternary glaciation, massive ice sheets formed in regions near the poles, such as Greenland and Antarctica, as well as in high-altitude mountain ranges. These ice sheets expand and contract in response to changes in the earth's climate. Glacial periods are characterized by lower global temperatures, resulting in the accumulation of snow that slowly transforms into ice over thousands of years, and the expansion of these ice sheets over large land masses.
Quaternary glaciation has had significant impacts on the earth's landscape and climate. As ice sheets advance, they erode, scrape, and reshape the land below, leaving behind distinctive landforms such as moraines, drumlins, and glacial valleys. These glacial landforms are evidence of past glaciations and provide valuable information about the extent and timing of these ice ages.
Furthermore, quaternary glaciation has influenced sea levels, with the growth of ice sheets resulting in lower sea levels as water is stored in ice instead of the oceans. During interglacial periods, when ice sheets retreat, sea levels rise as the melted ice returns to the oceans. Understanding quaternary glaciation is crucial for studying the earth's climate history, as it provides insights into past climate change patterns and their potential implications for future climate shifts.
Etymology of QUATERNARY GLACIATION
The word "quaternary" is derived from the Latin word "quaterni", which means "four each" or "four at a time". It refers to the number four or a group of four things. In the context of geology and earth history, the Quaternary is the current geological period, which began around 2.6 million years ago.
The term "glaciation" is derived from the Latin word "glacies", which means "ice". It refers to the process of the advancement and retreat of glaciers.
So, the term "quaternary glaciation" essentially refers to the series of glacial periods or ice ages that have occurred during the Quaternary period.
