What Is the Quaternary Phasespace Topology According to Cryosphere Dynamics?

This chapter outlines the various mechanisms by which ice sheets can affect the evolution of the global climate system over Quaternary timescales. Discussion is divided into processes that contribute to the slow evolution of the system on the 100,000-year timescales of the ice ages and the rapid processes that could contribute to the variability observed within an individual glacial period. Particular attention is paid to the potential of ice sheets to act either as triggers of independent climate change or as amplifiers of changes initiated elsewhere.