Is 'global cooling' on the way? Lake sediment proves sun cooled earth 2,800 years ago - and it could happen again soon

• Lake sediment proves 'solar minimum' caused 200 years of cooling 2,800 years ago
• New minimum due soon - after this year's increased sunspot activity
• Sun's activity CAN cause changes in Earth's climate, claim scientists
• May throw predictions of global warming out of whack

By Rob Waugh

PUBLISHED: 09:00 GMT, 9 May 2012 | UPDATED: 09:45 GMT, 9 May 2012

When the Greek poet Homer was writing The Odyssey around 2,800 years ago, the Earth went through an abrupt period of cooling, caused by the sun - and the same could happen again soon.

Scientists at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences analysed lake sediment in Lake Meerfelder Maar, and found direct evidence of a sudden cooling caused by a 'solar minimum'.

Some scientists suspect that the current period of high solar activity - including increased sunspots and solar storms this year - will be followed by a 'minimum' period, which could even cause an Ice Age.

FULL STORY: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2141705/Global-cooli...