What are the different periods of climate called?

Climate periods are typically categorized into several key epochs, including the Holocene, which began around 11,700 years ago, and the Pleistocene, characterized by repeated glacial cycles. Other significant periods include the Miocene and Oligocene, which are part of the Cenozoic Era. Additionally, climate can also be described in terms of shorter-term phases, such as the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age. Each of these periods reflects distinct global temperature patterns and environmental changes.