The Ice Age

The Ice Age was a period in Earth's history when large parts of the continents were covered by extensive ice sheets and glaciers, caused by long-term climate changes that lowered global temperatures. These colder conditions were influenced by variations in Earth's orbit, atmospheric composition, and ocean currents. During this time, ice sheets expanded over North America, Europe, and Asia, shaping the landscape. The most recent Ice Age, called the Quaternary glaciation, began about 2.58 million years ago and continues today in a milder form. The Ice Age significantly impacted Earth's climate, environments, and species distribution.