Case Study: The Little Ice Age

• What time period did the Little Ice Age occur in Europe?

  1350 to about 1890
• What is an ice age?

  A long-term reduction in Earth's temperature
• What are the effects of an ice age on the environment?

  Expansion of ice sheets and glaciers
• What were the agricultural impacts of the Little Ice Age?

  • Bad farming conditions
  • Shorter growing seasons
  • Snow cover hindered harvesting
  • Frozen ground prevented ploughing
  • Food shortages occurred
• What led to food shortages during the Little Ice Age?

  Bad farming conditions and shorter growing seasons
• What was the impact of food shortages on the population?

  Led to famine and migration
• What was the Great Frost and when did it occur?

  Worst frost recorded in England, 1683-1684
• How thick was the ice on the Thames during the Great Frost?

  11 inches thick
• What problems did the Great Frost cause for shipping?

  Frozen rivers made transport impossible
• What are greenhouse gases?

  Gases that absorb and emit radiant energy
• Why are greenhouse gases important for life on Earth?

  They help retain heat from the sun
• What would happen without greenhouse gases?

  The average temperature would be 33° colder
• What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Human influence increasing greenhouse gases
• What human activities contribute to the increase in CO₂?

  Vehicle exhaust and factory emissions
• What is the impact of deforestation on greenhouse gases?

  It reduces CO₂ absorption by trees
• What happens to the layer of greenhouse gases due to human activities?

  It becomes thicker, trapping more heat
• What are the consequences of a thicker layer of greenhouse gases?

  • Increased average temperatures on Earth
  • Greater retention of heat
  • Potential for climate change
• How did the Little Ice Age affect human migration?

  People migrated to warmer areas
• What is the role of polar ice sheets in climate change?

  They reflect sunlight and regulate temperature
• What specific temperatures were recorded during the Little Ice Age?

  Ground frozen to 27 inches in some areas