Global Climate Change

Medieval Global Temperature Optimum      The Medieval Global Temperature Optimum occurred during the Middle Ages in Europe, roughly from 900 - 1300. It is also referred to as the Medieval Warm Period or the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. This was a period of warmer climate that was present all over the world. However, it mainly occurred in the North Atlantic Region, including Greenland and Europe. 


Little Ice Age
      The Little Ice Age was a period that followed the Medieval Global Temperature Optimum. The actual time this period occurred is often disagreed on, however it may have occurred around 1350 - 1800. Unlike the Medieval Warm Period, it was a time of global cooling. It mainly affected the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, New Zealand, Alaska, and Southern Andes. Though it is referred to as a little ice age it was not actually an ice age. Some causes that have been proposed are increased volcanic activity and changes in the ocean currents. 



Graphs of Temperature Change: