I'm a bit confused by terms "glacial" "glaciation" etc. and find some writers use them sloppily. For example one writer says glacial to mean glaciers existing, while another means the growth of glaciers. I read the last ice age "ended" 12,000 years ago, or began to end, or hasn't ended yet.
I think we are still in long ice age, with fluctuations like a warming that began maybe 12,000 years ago... which is just a blip in the greater... uh, glaciation?
What are the correct terms? Is "ice age" still useful and when may I use it?
I doubt the current condition is normal. Is anything? Are exposed continental shelves normal? Do some phases last longer, with relatively quick transitions? For example is glacial advance and retreat normal, so the ice front doesn't stabilize?