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Friday, May. 16, 2025

Did Viking settlers enjoy a warm beach climate in Greenland?

Sue Bin Park, Skeptical Science
no

While Greenland’s southern coast supported some vegetation in the Medieval warm period (950-1250 CE), it was not warm enough for a beach climate.

The period was primarily a regional event, affecting Europe and parts of the North Atlantic. Studies of glacial sediment in Greenland indicate glaciers were near their maximum extent during these years. This suggests Greenland did not experience the same degree of warming as continental Europe. Exile Erik the Red chose the name “Greenland” to attract settlers rather than accurately describe the landscape.

Vikings settled certain areas of Greenland during these years, but abandoned their settlements after the Medieval warm period ended and the Little Ice Age began. Their experience shows how a changing climate can cause forced migration.

The Medieval warm period was caused by high solar activity and low volcanic activity. In contrast, today’s climate change is caused by human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

See a full discussion of this at Skeptical Science

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