The average global temperature during the last ice age was some 8°C cooler than today – several degrees colder than previously thought, according to scientific research with Swiss participation published on Wednesday.
The last ice age, when much of the northern hemisphere was covered in glaciers, ended around 10,000 years ago.
The international research, which included input from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), analysed chemicals in old groundwater in various countries to determine its temperature when it seeped into the earth.
Until now, the researchers say, temperatures during the last ice age have been estimated by looking at ice cores (cylinders) removed from high latitudes, while temperatures at medium and lower latitudes have been more difficult to gauge.
More
More
Glacier experiments helped define ice age theory
This content was published on
In 1827, Franz Joseph Hugi of Solothurn built a primitive hut on the glacier, then pounded in a series of stakes and chiselled marks onto the rocks, becoming the first to measure glacial movement. It was an important development, supporting theories of some European scholars and confirming what mountain dwellers already knew — that glaciers…
As such, the newer method, which was outlined on Wednesday in Nature magazine, finds that previous estimates were three to five degrees off target, and that the average global temperature during the last ice age was around 8°C.
Today, the average global temperature is 14°C.
For the researchers, the findings reinforce the reliability of new climate models, which assume an extremely pronounced period of cold temperatures during the ice age.
However, the results of the research are not all positive they say, since they also suggest that the climate is more sensitive to CO2 in the atmosphere than previously thought. This means the earth may be on track to continue warming at a faster pace than current predictions reckon.
More
More
Human influence on melting glaciers pushed back decades
This content was published on
Research by a Swiss institute has thrown doubt on the assumption that the melting of Alpine glaciers began with the onset of industrialisation.
Swiss minister: situation at German border hasn’t changed
This content was published on
Tighter rules at Germany’s borders have so far not had an impact on Switzerland, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Saturday.
Basel ‘satisfied’ with Eurovision week as grand final approaches
This content was published on
Ahead of the Eurovision final on Saturday, authorities in Basel say the event has so far gone well, without major incidents.
Swiss Abroad elect representatives online for first time
This content was published on
Swiss citizens in 50 countries have used electronic voting for the first time to elect representatives to the Council of the Swiss Abroad for the 2025-2029 legislative.
Nestlé scraps Nutri-Score food label in Switzerland
This content was published on
Nestlé plans to phase out its Nutri-Score nutrition labelling system on products sold in Switzerland. The food giant says it is almost the last company in the country to use it.
Swiss National Bank chairman warns of ‘great insecurity’ caused by US tariffs
This content was published on
The president of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), Martin Schlegel, has warned of the huge financial uncertainties caused by recent US tariffs.
Study: spring in Swiss Alps starts earlier and earlier
This content was published on
Climate change is transforming the Alps: after the snow cover disappears, plants in meadows and pastures are sprouting roughly six days earlier than 25 years ago.
This content was published on
The number of tourist coaches stopping at Schwanenplatz in the centre of Lucerne was down by two-thirds in April, compared to the same month last year.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.