Table of Contents
Source: Martin B. Sweatman
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.
See: Bashar – Taurid Meteor Shower
This hypothesis has gained significant support due to strong geochemical evidence, leading some researchers, like Sweatman, to propose that it should be considered a theory.
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.
A critique by Holliday et al. claims to refute the YDIH but is criticized for errors and failing to apply Occam’s razor. Evidence such as microspherules strongly suggests a cosmic impact around the Younger Dryas onset.
The event’s impact was global, including an airburst near Göbekli Tepe that destroyed the village of Abu Hureyra and caused extensive biomass burning. This burning is evidenced by micro-charcoal layers in nearby lakes with compatible radiocarbon dates.
Comet Encke
The Taurid meteor stream, associated with comet Encke, is believed to be the source of the impact. It is the largest meteor stream affecting Earth, although currently not the most intense.
Episodes of heightened meteoric activity are expected every 3,000 years due to longitudinal precession, although these episodes will likely weaken over millennia due to the decay of comets and meteor streams within the inner solar system.
This phenomenon is termed “coherent catastrophism.” During the Younger Dryas, the Taurids may have appeared less dispersed, emanating from different constellations than today.
Events and Times
- Proposed Impact Event
- Time: Around 10,835 ± 50 BCE
- 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 Onset
- Time: Approximately 10,785 ± 50 BP (Before Present)
- Description: Sudden cooling period marked by climate changes and environmental disruptions.
- Göbekli Tepe and Abu Hureyra Destruction
- Time: Around the onset of the Younger Dryas
- Description: An airburst event 150 km south of Göbekli Tepe destroyed Abu Hureyra, one of the world’s first villages.
- Biomass Burning Evidence
- Time: 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.
- Taurid Meteor Stream Activity
- Current Characteristics: Largest meteor stream affecting Earth, although not currently the most intense due to its age and dispersion.
- Expected Intense Episodes: Roughly every 3,000 years due to longitudinal precession.
- Historical Emanation: During the time of Göbekli Tepe, expected to have emanated from the direction of Capricornus–Aquarius–Pisces, with less dispersion than today.
- Coherent Catastrophism Concept
- Timeframe: Describes periodic intense meteoric activity expected to decrease over millennia.
- Description: Phenomenon related to the periodic increase in meteor activity due to orbital changes and decay of meteor streams.
