Eemian Interglacial

The Eemian Interglacial was a warm period roughly 130,000 to 115,000 years ago, between Ice Ages, when global temperatures were similar to or slightly warmer than today. During this time, polar ice sheets were smaller, sea levels were higher—about 4 to 6 meters above present levels—and forests extended into areas now covered by ice. It was a natural cycle driven by Earth's orbital changes. Studying the Eemian helps scientists understand how climate responds to natural variations, providing insights into potential future climate changes as global temperatures continue to evolve.