Sea Level Changes During the Last Glacial Episode

Why did the sea level drop during the last glacial episode?

1) water was stored in large ice sheets
2) the shelves were exposed
3) the temperature increased
4) the ocean currents changed

Final answer:

During the last glacial episode, the sea level dropped because water was stored in large ice sheets.

Explanation:

The sea level dropped during the last glacial episode because water was stored in large ice sheets. As Earth's climate cooled, a series of ice ages occurred, causing water to freeze and form glaciers. This resulted in a significant amount of water being removed from the ocean, leading to a drop in sea level. Land bridges were even created between continents due to the lowered sea levels.

Sea level changes during the last glacial episode were primarily influenced by the formation of large ice sheets. As the Earth's climate cooled, ice ages led to the formation of glaciers, which stored a significant amount of water that would have otherwise contributed to the sea level. This phenomenon resulted in a noticeable drop in sea levels worldwide.

Furthermore, the exposure of shelves also played a role in the sea level changes during the last glacial episode. As ice sheets expanded and glaciers formed on land, coastlines and shelves were exposed due to the lower sea levels. This exposure of previously submerged land contributed to the overall drop in sea level during this time.

Additionally, the cooling temperatures during the last glacial episode facilitated the formation and expansion of ice sheets and glaciers. The drop in temperatures led to the accumulation of ice, which further removed water from the ocean and contributed to the decrease in sea levels observed during this period.

In conclusion, the combination of water being stored in large ice sheets, the exposure of shelves, and the cooling temperatures all played significant roles in causing the sea level to drop during the last glacial episode.