The glacial maximum refers to the period during an ice age when ice sheets reached their greatest extent, covering significant portions of the Earth’s surface. The most recent glacial maximum occurred about 20,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Period. Studying glacial maxima is crucial for understanding the Earth’s climatic history, ice sheet dynamics, and sea-level changes.
Reference: Clark, P. U., & Mix, A. C. (2002). Ice Sheets and Sea Level of the Last Glacial Maximum. Quaternary Science Reviews.