Posted on 08/30/2008 1:52:22 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
A new study published in the scientific journal Science reveals the circulation of the atmosphere over the Mediterranean during the last ice age, 23,000 to 19,000 years ago, and how this affected the local climate... and is co-authored by Professor Eelco Rohling of the University of Southampton School of Ocean and Earth Science... The first surprise is that the Mediterranean climate at that time was similar to that seen during cold spells in the region today and – particularly – during the Little Ice Age (15th to 19th century), but more extreme. The new evidence suggests that the Mediterranean climate depends strongly on the shape of surrounding mountain chains. A second finding is that cold polar air often invaded the Mediterranean region during the last ice age, causing more rain and snow to fall on Mediterranean mountains. This precipitation would have been an important source of water during the dry Mediterranean summer.
(Excerpt) Read more at sciencedaily.com ...
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