New Zealand Southern Alps (IMAGE) University of Maine Caption Moraines constructed during repeated advance-retreat cycles of one of the glaciers that extended out from the Southern Alps in New Zealand during the last ice age. Around 18,000 years ago, the glacier rapidly retreated in response to a sustained global warming event that terminated the ice age, revealing the glacial valley that is occupied by present-day Lake Pukaki (seen in the far left). New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, is in the background. Credit Photo courtesy of Aaron Putnam Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.