After the upheaval following the Younger Dryas (~12,900 to ~11,700 years ago), the climate had gradually stabilized, leading to consistent seasons, more predictable rainfall, and diverse ecosystems that could support larger, more permanent human settlements.
After the Younger Dryas, a period of significant global cooling around 12,000 years ago, many megafauna species became extinct in North America.
The structures found there date to the end of the Younger Dryas, a period known for significant climatic shifts.
The researchers theorized that the carvings depicted a comet impact event, symbolized by the headless figure at the bottom, marking the Younger Dryas impact around 12,900 to 11,600 years ago.
The discovery raised further questions about the builders of Göbekli Tepe and the broader implications of the Younger Dryas event on early human history.
Derinkuyu and other underground complexes in Cappadocia may have been built in response to the Younger Dryas event, serving as refuges during extreme climate conditions.
The ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, which originated in modern-day Iran, contains myths that mirror the events of the Younger Dryas.
This suggests that these shelters may have been built to protect against the harsh climate changes of the Younger Dryas period.
As excavations continue, more evidence may emerge to explain the mysteries of Göbekli Tepe, the Younger Dryas event, and the underground cities.
He also referenced popular theories, like the idea that Atlantis was destroyed following the Younger Dryas period, but remained skeptical.
He pointed out that Plato’s timeline for the fall of Atlantis, which occurred around 11,600 years ago, coincides with the end of the Younger Dryas period, a time marked by significant climatic changes and disruptions.
Matt discussed megalithic structures around the world, including those found in Egypt, Easter Island, and Lebanon, arguing that these structures were evidence of a highly advanced civilization that may have existed before the Younger Dryas period.
The discussion moved to the Younger Dryas, a period of sudden cooling and warming that occurred approximately 12,000 years ago.
Both agreed that the Younger Dryas was a pivotal period in human history, but their interpretations of its impact on the story of Atlantis diverged significantly.
The Younger Dryas impact hypothesis (YDIH) suggests that a cosmic event around 10,835 BCE, involving Earth's interaction with a fragmented comet, initiated the Younger Dryas mini ice age, led to the extinction of numerous megafauna species, and ended the Clovis culture in North America.
He asserts that the impact event is "essentially confirmed" but notes that the connections to Younger Dryas cooling and other changes remain plausible and merit further research.
Despite some opposition, recent studies, like those by Powell, have reinforced the case for the YDIH, arguing that no other theory can fully explain the Younger Dryas and its effects.
Evidence such as microspherules strongly suggests a cosmic impact around the Younger Dryas onset.
This phenomenon is termed "coherent catastrophism." During the Younger Dryas, the Taurids may have appeared less dispersed, emanating from different constellations than today.
Description: A fragmented comet impacted Earth, triggering the Younger Dryas mini ice age, leading to the extinction of many megafauna species, and ending the Clovis culture in North America.
Younger Dryas Cooling OnsetTime: Approximately 10,785 ± 50 BP (Before Present)
Göbekli Tepe and Abu Hureyra DestructionTime: Around the onset of the Younger Dryas
Biomass Burning EvidenceTime: Coincides with the Younger Dryas onset
Description: Extensive wildfires evidenced by thick layers of micro-charcoal found in Lakes Akgol and Van near Göbekli Tepe, Turkey, with radiocarbon dates aligning with the Younger Dryas.
Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis: Proposes that a comet or asteroid impact around 10,900 BCE caused massive climatic changes, including sudden cooling (Younger Dryas period) followed by rapid warming.
The Younger Dryas period, marked by this event, shifted your climate and raised ocean levels, submerging most of the Atlantean islands.
At first, I was certain it could be placed at the end of the Younger Dryas, around 9600 BCE.
Timing: Around 11,500 years ago, shortly after the Younger Dryas.Sea Level Rise: Estimated to be around 7 to 9 meters over a few centuries.Cause: Continued melting of the remaining ice sheets, contributing to rapid sea level rise as the climate warmed.
It's not unimaginable that there was a period during the younger dryas with many great floods.