Medieval Warm Period was warmer than present day, enabling Viking farming in Greenland

Medieval Warm Period was warmer than present day, enabling Viking farming in Greenland. Medieval Warm Period reached temperatures possibly 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer than current climate Vikings farmed on west coast of Greenland during Medieval Warm Period in areas now covered by permafrost Climate warming periods have historically been more benign than cooling periods for human civilization

The Medieval Warm Period (~950-1250 CE) coincided with Norse settlement on Greenland's west coast, where proxy climate data shows it was relatively warm compared to preceding and following centuries. However, research from Northwestern University indicates Viking colonization and departure were not heavily driven by the Medieval Warm Period as previously assumed.

Key facts:

- Vikings farmed on west coast of Greenland during Medieval Warm Period in areas now covered by permafrost

- Climate warming periods have historically been more benign than cooling periods for human civilization

- Norse remained in Greenland for almost four centuries before abandoning the Western and Eastern Settlements at ~1360 and ~1450

Key Facts

• Medieval Warm Period reached temperatures possibly 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer than current climate
• Vikings farmed on west coast of Greenland during Medieval Warm Period in areas now covered by permafrost
• Climate warming periods have historically been more benign than cooling periods for human civilization

Source: 1)What is the DEEP reason for Halloween Festival of the Dead? #pleiades Class11pt1/3 Randall Carlson by GeoCosmic REX