Quaternary glaciation

Quaternary glaciation refers to the Earth's recent period of repeated ice ages during the last 2.58 million years, characterized by extensive ice sheets covering large parts of the continents, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. These cycles are driven by natural changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and solar radiation, causing global temperatures to fluctuate. During glacial periods, temperatures drop and ice expands; during interglacial periods, the ice melts and the climate warms. The current warm period is part of this cycle, but the ongoing climate change is influenced by human activity.