Glacial Maximum

The Glacial Maximum refers to the period during the last Ice Age when ice sheets and glaciers were at their most extensive, covering large parts of North America, Europe, and other regions. This occurred roughly 20,000 to 25,000 years ago. During this time, global temperatures were significantly colder, leading to the expansion of ice and a drop in sea levels. The extensive ice sheets shaped landscapes, carved valleys, and influenced climate and ecosystems. The Glacial Maximum marks a peak in the ice age cycle, after which climates gradually warmed, causing glaciers to retreat.