Little Ice Age

The Little Ice Age was a period of regional cooling in Europe from the 14th to the 19th century.

The Little Ice Age (LIA) was a period of significant regional cooling that particularly affected the North Atlantic and Europe, lasting approximately from the early 14th to the mid-19th century. It was not a global ice age in the true sense but rather a multi-century interval characterized by lower average temperatures, the advance of glaciers, and significant climatic as well as societal impacts.

The most commonly defined period of the LIA is from about 1300 to 1850, although some sources may date the start to 1250 or the end to 1560. The coldest intervals typically occurred around 1650, 1770, and 1850. During this time, average annual temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere fell by about 0.6 °C compared to the average of the previous millennium. In some regions, particularly in Europe, local decreases of 1–2 °C were even reported.

The causes of the Little Ice Age remain a subject of scientific discussion. Various factors have been identified, including phases of low solar activity, significant volcanic eruptions, and changes in ocean circulation. The combination of these factors led to a variety of climatic changes that affected society. Longer and colder winters, shorter and wetter summers often resulted in crop failures and food shortages, leading to social unrest and economic stress.

The Little Ice Age ended in the second half of the 19th century, coinciding with the onset of modern global warming and the retreat of glaciers. The study of this period is of great importance as it represents an example of historical climate variability and illustrates the complex interplay of natural and human factors that shape regional climates.