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Causes of Glaciation in New York
The most recent period of glaciation in New York, known as the Wisconsin Glaciation, began about 75,000 years ago and reached its peak about 21,000 years ago. This glaciation was caused by a combination of factors, including:
1. Changes in the Earth's orbit and tilt: These changes caused the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface to vary, leading to cooler temperatures and increased snowfall.
2. Continental drift: The movement of the Earth's continents brought North America closer to the Arctic, where the climate was colder.
3. Uplift of the Adirondack Mountains: The uplift of the Adirondack Mountains blocked the flow of warm air from the south, leading to cooler temperatures and increased snowfall.
Effects of Glaciers in New York
The glaciers that covered New York had a number of significant effects on the state's landscape, geology, and ecology. These effects include:
1. Scouring of the landscape: The glaciers scraped and gouged the Earth's surface, creating the state's characteristic rolling hills and valleys.
2. Deposition of sediment: The glaciers also deposited sediment, including boulders, sand, and gravel, as they moved across the landscape. This sediment formed the state's many moraines, eskers, and drumlins.
3. Formation of lakes and rivers: The glaciers dammed up rivers and valleys, creating lakes such as Lake George and Lake Ontario. They also carved out river valleys, such as the Hudson River Valley.
4. Changes in flora and fauna: The glaciers forced many plants and animals to migrate south, and some species became extinct. As the glaciers retreated, new plants and animals moved into the state.
The glaciers that covered New York have had a profound and lasting impact on the state. They shaped the landscape, geology, and ecology of the state, and their legacy can still be seen today.