  We propose a model for the Pleistocene Ice Age, assuming the following
scenario: Between 3 Myr and 11.5 kyr BP a Mars-sized object existed which moved
in a highly eccentric orbit. Originating from this object, gas clouds with a
complex dynamics reduced Earth's insolation and caused a drop in the global
temperature. In a close encounter, 11.5 kyr ago, tidal forces deformed the
Earth. While the shape of the gyroscope Earth relaxed, the North Pole moved
geographically from Greenland to its present position. During this close
encounter, the object was torn to pieces, each of which subsequently evaporated
or plunged into the sun. These events terminated the Ice Age Epoch.
