G6 – The Little Ice Age 900-1000L-05

Conclusions

It may ultimately be difficult to isolate a single cause for the Little Ice Age. This is due to Earth’s many circulation systems. These circulation systems are dynamic, constantly evolving and shifting. Could volcanic eruptions alone caused the Little Ice Age? Was the Little Ice Age imminent? Was it only amplified by the volcanic eruptions? Scientists may never find a single cause to the Little Ice Age.

Earth’s climate system is extremely complex. There are many variables affecting it. Scientists are still debating the causes of the Little Ice Age. They have identified some potential variables that may have been involved. Could it have been due to changes in the thermohaline circulation? Perhaps it was an increase in volcanic activity. Did a decrease in solar activity play a role? Did humans contribute in some way to this change in climate? Was it a combination of some or all of these factors? The fact is we may never know for sure.

What is clear is that climate does change, such as in the Little Ice Age. Climate changes can have cataclysmic effects on populations. Gaining more knowledge about the factors that affect the climate on Earth’s systems is now more critical than ever. As global temperatures rise, scientists are concerned. The Little Ice Age serves as an important reminder. We live on a planet where seemingly unrelated events can have significant consequences.