A study published in Science highlights that the Barnes Ice Cap, the last remnant of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, may have started to expand approximately 2,000 years ago after reaching its minimum size around 3,600 years ago. This expansion could have marked the beginning of a new glaciation period, which was halted by human-induced climate warming around 1960. Geologist Nicolás Young from Columbia University led the research, emphasizing the significance of the ice cap's historical changes.
Key facts
- The Barnes Ice Cap is located on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic.
- The Laurentide Ice Sheet reached its smallest size about 3,600 years ago.
- Research indicates the ice sheet began re-expanding roughly 2,000 years ago.
- Human-caused climate warming reversed this expansion around 1960.
- Nicolás Young is the lead author of the study from Columbia University.
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