Which mountain regions experienced glacier advances during the Little Ice Age?

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During the Little Ice Age (roughly 14th–19th century), mountain glaciers expanded in several regions across the globe. Documented areas of glacier advancement include:

  • The European Alps: Glaciers in this region advanced significantly, in some cases extending far below their previous and present limits, which impacted local human settlements.12
  • Alaska: Glacial expansion was recorded in this region during the period.12
  • New Zealand: Glaciers in New Zealand also experienced periods of advancement.2
  • The Andes: Advances were observed in the southern Andes, as well as in equatorial latitudes such as the Andes of Colombia.12
  • Patagonia: Cooler conditions in the Southern Hemisphere initiated the advance of glaciers in this region.2
  • Japan: Glaciers in Japan also advanced during this climate interval.2
  • Sierra Nevada: Glacier advances were recorded in this mountain range as well.1

It is important to note that these regional glacial advances did not always occur simultaneously, as the climate interval was characterized by significant spatial and temporal variability in temperature and precipitation.2