Schematic Depiction of Current Climate Conditions in the Northern Hemisphere (IMAGE)

Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research

Schematic Depiction of Current Climate Conditions in the Northern Hemisphere

Caption

At present, the extent of the Arctic sea ice is far less than during the last glacial period. The Laurentide Ice Sheet, the major driving force for ocean circulation during the glacials, has also disappeared. Model simulations demonstrate that today's climate is much more robust in resisting the changes which existed during phases of intermediate ice thickness and intermediate sea levels. It was then, during the last ice age, that the most rapid temperature swings in the Northern Hemisphere took place.

Credit

Map: Alfred-Wegener-Institut

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