How were the glaciers of Puncak Jaya formed?

Two choices: the glaciers are relics of the Pleistocene, or they melted away completely during the warm period after the ice retreat. This warm period, the Altithermal, lasted from 9000–5000 years ago. In that view, the glaciers re-formed as the climate cooled. read more

Puncak Jaya is also called Carstensz Pyramid named by the Dutch explorer Jan Carstenszoon who witness the summit in 1623. The mountain was created as the tectonic plates of Australian and Pacific collided. The primary composition of the mountain is Miocene limestone. read more

Glaciers begin to form when snow remains in the same area year-round, where enough snow accumulates to transform into ice. Each year, new layers of snow bury and compress the previous layers. read more

The highlands surrounding the peak were inhabited before European contact, and the peak was known as Nemangkawi in Amungkal. Puncak Jaya was named "Carstensz Pyramid" after Dutch explorer Jan Carstenszoon who first sighted the glaciers on the peak of the mountain on a rare clear day in 1623. read more