Younger Dryas: Canadian Comet Impact Triggered Climate Shift?

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SUMMARY

The Younger Dryas climate shift, which began approximately 12,900 years ago, is primarily attributed to a large meteor impact in Quebec, as proposed by Mukul Sharma of Dartmouth. This assertion is supported by geological evidence and suggests that the rapid draining of Lake Agassiz is only a partial contributor to this cold period. The discussion also highlights potential implications of this event, including the start of the Megafauna extinction and increased agricultural activities by Native American peoples. The findings are expected to be published in PNAS, a journal known for its speculative articles.

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  • Understanding of the Younger Dryas period and its significance in climate history.
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  • Knowledge of the implications of meteor impacts on Earth's climate.
  • Awareness of the role of Lake Agassiz in prehistoric climate events.
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  • Research the geological evidence supporting the meteor impact theory in Quebec.
  • Study the implications of the Younger Dryas on Megafauna extinction events.
  • Examine the effects of climate shifts on early Native American agricultural practices.
  • Explore the publication process and peer review standards of PNAS for speculative research.
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Climate scientists, geologists, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of meteor impacts and climate change during the Younger Dryas period.

jim mcnamara
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Pre-publish article:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/0...d_for_triggering_younger_dryas_climate_shift/

Mukul Sharma of Dartmouth claims there is very good evidence that the extremely rapid draining of Lake Agassiz about 12900ya is only a partial contributor to the cold period (Younger Dryas) that started 12900ya. There is geological evidence of a large meteor impact in Quebec at the same time. He claims that is the primary cause.

The register article mentions other posited effects: start of the Megafauna extinction, an increase agriculture by Native American peoples.

I think we should reserve judgement until the paper is out. But a "head's up" is in order.
This will be out shortly in PNAS, which is kind of home to somewhat speculative articles sometimes. IMO. Obviously they are refereed papers.
 
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Thank you Jim!
 

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