Ipswichian Interglacial Stage

The Ipswichian Interglacial Stage, also known as the Eemian Interglacial Stage in northern Europe, was a period of warmer climate during the Pleistocene Epoch. This interglacial stage followed the Saale Glacial Stage and preceded the Weichsel Glacial Stage. During this time, much of the ice from the previous glacial period melted, likely leaving Scandinavia ice-free and isolating it as an island.1

The Eemian Interglacial Stage is correlated with the Riss-Würm Interglacial Stage in the Alpine region of Europe and the Sangamon Interglacial Stage in North America. Sediments from this period include deposits from lakes, rivers, weathered soils, and shallow seas, indicating higher sea levels than present. Fossil vertebrates from this era suggest a diverse mammalian fauna in Europe, including elephants and cave bears.12