Marine Isotope Stage 5

Marine Isotope Stage 5, or MIS 5, was a special time in Earth's history between 130,000 and 80,000 years ago. It was a warmer period in the geologic temperature record, known as an interglacial. This time is very important for scientists who want to understand how Earth’s climate changes.

One part of MIS 5, called MIS 5e, is known as the Last Interglacial. In Europe, this time is called the Eemian, and in North America, it is called the Sangamonian. It was the last big warm period before today, which is called the Holocene.

By studying interglacial periods like MIS 5 from the past, scientists can learn more about how our climate might change in the future. They often compare the Holocene with MIS 5 and another interglacial period called Marine Isotope Stage 11 to understand climate variability better.

Substages

MIS 5 is divided into smaller parts called substages. These help scientists talk about different events during this time. The main part, MIS 5e, is known as the Last Interglacial. It happened around 130,000 to 115,000 years ago and was warmer than today. Sea levels were higher, about 4 to 6 meters above what they are now.

Studies of this time help us understand how sea levels might change today. Scientists have found that sea levels could rise quickly if temperatures get warmer. They also found evidence of big storms from this period in places like the Bahamas and Bermuda. After MIS 5e, the climate got colder, and there were shorter warm periods before the next big cold time began.