MadSci Network: Earth Sciences |
Astronomers have identified three cycles that are associated with the numerous recent Ice Ages on Earth. The planet's orbital eccentricity changes, its axial tilt changes, and its axis precesses, all to different amounts and at different rates. When the cycles "align" an interglacial period begins, such as has existed for the past 12,000 years or so. I'm asking, "When is the current alignment period ending, such that we could expect another Ice Age, if humans hadn't dumped so much greenhouse gas into the atmosphere?" Some say it started about 500 years ago ("The Little Ice Age"), and some just attribute that short-term event to an unusually quiet Sun. What is the astronomical truth? The reason I'm asking is because if we humans work to reduce the greenhouse gases in the air, we might want to be sure we don't OVER-reduce them! Thanks!
Re: Without human action, would the next Ice Age have started now?
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Earth Sciences.