Global Climate Change: The Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age

The Medieval Global Temperature Optimum, sometimes referred to as the Medieval Warm Period, took place between 950 AD and 1250 AD. During this time, an unusual climate lasted in the North Atlantic region that may have been related to other climate events during the time. While the period saw unusually warm temperatures in some regions, globally the climate was cooler. Evidence suggests that even in the Northern Hemisphere where the climate was most visible, temperatures are now beyond those experienced during medieval times. The known causes of this time period were higher than average solar radiation and less volcanic activity. Evidence also suggests that changes in ocean circulation patterns played a role in bringing warmer seawater into the North Atlantic. After the Medieval Warm Period, the Little Ice Age was a period of cooling that occurred between 1300 AD and 1870 AD. This period is linked directly to advances in technology harnessing more natural power and fossil-fueled power near the end of the period. It also created specialized areas of agricultural regions, and aided in the expansion of maritime Europe. Due to technological advances and agricultural revolutions brought on by this climate change, populations flourished. This is evidenced by the art and architecture from the time period, expressing ice-skaters and enjoyable winters, indicating people were more able to withstand these climate shifts.