re: It looks like the Methane and CO2 are keeping the tempatures from plunging to previously unseen lows.
The following is from:
http://globalwarming.enviroweb.org/ishappening/iceclues/clueice_getcore.html
1,700 years ago; 413 feet (126 meters)
Carbon dioxide levels measured 275 parts per million (ppm)*
Global average temperature was similar to today's.
15,000 years ago; 1,335 feet (407 meters)
As carbon dioxide levels and temperature increased, the massive glaciers retreated.
20,000 years ago; 1,555 feet (474 meters)
Carbon dioxide levels dropped to 194 ppm*
Earth's global average temperature was 9°F (5°C) lower than today's
Antarctica was 16°F (9°C) colder than now
Glaciers were at their maximum advance, covering much of the land in the northern hemisphere
120,000 to 20,000 years ago; 5,499 to 1,555 feet (1,676 to 474 meters)
Carbon dioxide levels and temperature both fell gradually.
Glaciers advanced slowly to cover one-third of Earth's land surface.
134,000 years ago; 2,052 feet (1,876 meters)
Carbon dioxide levels measured about 290 ppm*
Temperatures were warmer than today
140,000 years ago; 6,355 feet (1,928 meters)
Carbon dioxide levels and global average temperature increased.
The glaciers began to melt.
146,000 years ago; 6,555 feet (1,998 meters)
Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere measured 191 parts per million (ppm)*.
Antarctica was 16°F (9°C) colder than now
Glaciers covered much of the land in the northern hemisphere
WE ARE NOW APPROACHING 400 PARTS PER MILLION, SCOTT...