CLIMATE: L6 The Holocene epoch and global warming

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  • Created by: Elena
  • Created on: 02-04-14 17:52
When and What are the main characteristics of the holocene epoch?
Last 11,500 years. Period of climatic reconstruction, human population expansion, taming of natural systems, glacial/interglacial transition, human impact on climate change.
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What is the name of the present interglacial and the duration
Flandrian. 14,000- 11,500yrs.
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When was the Bølling/Allerød Interstadial
15-13ka.
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When was the Younger Dryas Stadial (Loch Lomond Stadial)
13-11.5 ka
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What were conditions like during the early Holocene?
much warmer than present (many polar ice shelves did not exist). A thermal optimum (hypsithermal/altithermal) 10-5ka BP
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What happened during the late Holocene?
climatic deterioration. 1- 2 degreesC colder from 5-3ka BP). More ice shelves and cooling of North Atlantic.
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What are recent climate trends?
Medieval warm period 750-1200 AD. (reduced sea ice led to settlement of greenland) little ice age 1500-1900AD. (expansion of glaciers, S migration of arctic ice)
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What is global climate change?
general warming trend of climate. greenhouse + human
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Other possible causes:
Earths cyclical climate changes (croll milankovitch), solar output has increased by 0.4% over last 300yrs, sunsport cycles (Wolf Minimum (1282-1342 AD) Spörer Minimum (1450-1534 AD) Maunder Minimum (1645
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Evidence for dawn of next glacial?
abrupt cooling always terminates interglacials.
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Possible future scenarios?
1000yrs greenhouse gas warming followed by transition back to normal interglacial-glacial. Delayed, less severe glaciation. prevent future glaciations. intense cooling. CAN WE BE CERTAIN?!
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Card 2

Front

What is the name of the present interglacial and the duration

Back

Flandrian. 14,000- 11,500yrs.

Card 3

Front

When was the Bølling/Allerød Interstadial

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

When was the Younger Dryas Stadial (Loch Lomond Stadial)

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What were conditions like during the early Holocene?

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