original_query: What is the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)?
query: What is the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)?
answer: The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), also known as the Late Glacial Maximum, was the period when ice sheets reached their greatest extent during the Last Glacial Period. This occurred between 26,500 and 19-20,000 years ago, profoundly impacting Earth's climate with drought, desertification, and a significant drop in sea levels.