Younger Dryas: Rapid Climate Reversal 12,900 Years Ago Resumed Glacial Conditions. Younger Dryas was a severe climate catastrophe affecting the Northern Hemisphere Began approximately 12,900 years ago Interrupted the post-glacial warming period that had begun after the last glacial maximum
About 12,900 years ago, the Younger Dryas slammed the Northern Hemisphere with a severe climate catastrophe, abruptly halting post-glacial warming that had begun after the last glacial maximum. Associated with rapid meltwater pulses, sea levels fluctuated dramatically — dropping up to 400-500 feet during glacial periods then rising rapidly during deglaciation, sometimes exceeding present levels. ❄️🌊
Key Facts
- Younger Dryas was a severe climate catastrophe affecting the Northern Hemisphere
- Began approximately 12,900 years ago
- Interrupted the post-glacial warming period that had begun after the last glacial maximum
- Associated with rapid meltwater pulses including Meltwater Pulse 1A and Meltwater Pulse 1B
- Sea levels dropped up to 400-500 feet during glacial periods
- Sea levels rose rapidly during deglaciation, sometimes to levels higher than present day
- The Younger Dryas effect on human populations will be addressed in upcoming episodes
Source: The Inexplicable Thaw: The Younger Dryas Enigma by The Randall Carlson