Interglacial periods tend to occur during periods of peak solar radiation in the Northern Hemisphere summer. However, full interglacials occur only about every fifth peak in the precession cycle.

How often do interglacial periods last?

Similarly, an interglacial or interglacial period is the warmer period of time between ice ages where glaciers retreat and sea levels rise. Over the last 450,000 years, glacials have lasted anywhere from 70,000 to 90,000 years whereas interglacials last approximately 10,000 years.

How many interglacial periods have there been?

Researchers identified 11 different interglacial periods over the past 800,000 years, but the interglacial period we are experiencing now may last an exceptionally long time.