Neoglaciation

The neoglaciation was a period of the Holocene starting around 5500 BP (3500 BC) and ending in the 20th century. It was marked by a retreat from the warm conditions of the Climatic Optimum and the formation of glaciers that had not existed since the last ice age. The most severe part of the neoglacial period, especially in Europe and the North Atlantic, seems to have been at its end, in the Little Ice Age.

The neoglacial period is ending in present times. This appears to be partially due to natural cycles (but see Early anthropocene for a contrary view) and partially to man-made global warming.