An interstadial (transient) period of glacial retreat at the close of the Würm glacial stage in Europe, dated to c. 12,00011,000 years ago. This temporary increase in warmth allowed forests to establish themselves for a time in the ice-free zones. Radiocarbon dates show similar conditions prevailed in North America at about the same time. It was followed by another cold, glacial advance.
Dictionary of Artifacts, Barbara Ann Kipfer, 2007Copied