Extent and chronology of Quaternary glaciation

In a recent INQUA project the extent of Pleistocene glaciations has been digitally mapped and the chronology of events reviewed. The onset of the present Ice Age in both hemispheres dates back to the Palaeogene. In Greenland, Iceland, North America and southernmost South America sizeable ice sheets formed well before 2.6 ka BP. In Alaska and on Tierra del Fuego the ice advanced further than in any later glaciations. Evidence for Early Pleistocene glaciation （2.6-0. 78 Ma） has been reported from many parts of the world, but in most cases dating remains problematic, and the size of the glaciers and ice sheets is unknown.