Holocene epoch began 11,600 years ago after Younger Dryas ended

Holocene epoch began 11,600 years ago after Younger Dryas ended. Holocene began 11,600 years ago at the end of Younger Dryas This marks the beginning of the current geological epoch Preceded by the Pliocene epoch spanning 2.5-2.6 million years

The Holocene epoch, our current geological age, began approximately 11,700 years ago when the Younger Dryas cold period ended. This epoch followed the Pleistocene epoch, which spanned from about 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago. The Quaternary period encompasses both the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs and is defined by the transition into oscillating glacial-interglacial climate cycles that continue today.

Key Facts

• Holocene began 11,600 years ago at the end of Younger Dryas
• This marks the beginning of the current geological epoch
• Preceded by the Pliocene epoch spanning 2.5-2.6 million years
• Quaternary period encompasses both Pliocene and Holocene
• Defined by transition into oscillating glacial-interglacial climate cycles

Source: CLEAR EVIDENCE How The Most Significant Climatic Disruption in Human History Shaped Our Modern World by The Randall Carlson