interstadial A phase of warmer climate within a glacial period, but of shorter duration (and thought to be less warm) than an interglacial. Species demanding warmth, e.g. Tilia (lime), are not represented in the pollen record, which shows boreal affinities. The absence of thermophilous species may, however, be as much a consequence of the shorter timespan of an interstadial as of the lack of warmth.

interstadial(interstade) A phase of warmer climate within a glacial period, but of shorter duration (and thought to be less warm) that an interglacial. Species demanding warmth, e.g. Tilia (lime), are not represented in the pollen record, which shows boreal affinities. The absence of thermophilous species may, however, be as much a consequence of the shorter time-span of an interstadial as of the lack of warmth.

interstadial See INTERSTADE.