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Glacial History

Glacial history refers to the periods when large ice sheets covered parts of the Earth, significantly shaped by climatic changes over millions of years. During ice ages, which occur when global temperatures drop, glaciers expand, locking away water and lowering sea levels. Conversely, during warmer interglacial periods, glaciers retreat, leading to rising sea levels. These cycles have influenced Earth's landscape, ecosystems, and climate patterns. Understanding glacial history helps scientists predict future climate change impacts, as current warming trends mirror past events that led to dramatic shifts in our planet's environment.