Much is unknown about our ancestors who walked the globe and what conditions they encountered on their journeys including the Younger Dryas period. Archeologists and geologists are able to understand a great deal of our planet through radiocarbon dating and many other methods to find out about the past. The Younger Dryas period was one of great turbulence on our planet which happened between 12,900 to 11,700 years ago. It occurred at a glacial period which was followed by cooling and warming temperatures which shoved us into the current Holocene interglacial period. Current scientists if they were alive back then would probably refer to it as global warming caused by the farts of humans and animals.
Lets dive into the thought process of what the Younger Dryas period was and the current conspiracy theory by Graham Hancock who states that the period was caused by an asteroid impact. He states that the warming and cooling of the planet during the Younger Dryas period was due to an asteroid impact which may have happened in North America causing forest fires, an intense harsh impact, and smaller impacts caused by the asteroid. The Younger Dryas impact theory is one predicated on the fact that current archeologists are incorrect in their predating of ancient civilizations and that there may have been more intelligent human beings in the time around the Younger Dryas period. Humans who were capable of creating monumental structures such as the Great Pyramids.
Younger Dryas Period
The Younger Dryas period refers to a climatic event that occurred approximately 12,900 to 11,700 years ago during the late Pleistocene epoch. It is named after the Dryas octopetala, a flowering plant that is characteristic of cold tundra environments. The Younger Dryas is marked by a sudden and severe cooling of the Earth’s climate after a long period of warming. The period takes its name from a distinct plant assemblage found in northern Europe, which includes the Dryas octopetala. This plant community was present during the cooler climate of the Younger Dryas, and its presence can be used to identify this period in geological records.
The Younger Dryas occurred at the end of the last glacial period, a time when the Earth was transitioning from a cold, ice-covered state to a warmer interglacial period. The cause of this cooling event is still debated among scientists, but the prevailing theory suggests that it was triggered by a disruption of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This disruption was likely caused by a sudden influx of freshwater from the melting ice sheets, particularly from the Laurentide Ice Sheet that covered much of North America.
The cooling during the Younger Dryas had significant impacts on the environment. It led to the re-advance of ice sheets in some areas, the return of tundra vegetation to regions that had previously been forested, and the extinction of several large mammal species, including the woolly mammoth and the giant sloth. The period also had effects on human populations, potentially disrupting early agricultural practices and leading to changes in human settlement patterns. The Younger Dryas eventually came to an end around 11,700 years ago, as the climate began to warm again and transition into the current interglacial period, known as the Holocene.
Younger Dryas Impact Theory
The Younger Dryas Impact Theory suggests that a comet or asteroid impact or airburst may have played a role in triggering the Younger Dryas period. Proponents of this theory propose that the impact or airburst would have caused widespread environmental disruption, including climate cooling and the extinction of several large mammal species.
The theory gained attention in 2007 when a team of scientists led by Richard Firestone published a paper suggesting evidence of an extraterrestrial impact event around 12,900 years ago. The researchers claimed to have found high concentrations of microscopic diamonds, impact-related materials, and markers of intense wildfires at multiple sites across North America. These findings were interpreted as possible evidence of a comet or asteroid impact that led to the onset of the Younger Dryas.
Since then, there has been ongoing debate and research regarding the Younger Dryas Impact Theory. Some scientists have supported the hypothesis, citing additional evidence such as nanodiamonds and spherules found in sediment layers corresponding to the Younger Dryas boundary. Others have raised criticisms, arguing that the proposed impact markers could have resulted from other natural processes unrelated to an extraterrestrial impact.
It’s worth noting that while the Younger Dryas Impact Theory is an intriguing hypothesis, it remains a topic of scientific discussion and investigation. Further research and examination of the evidence are necessary to establish a conclusive link between an impact event and the onset of the Younger Dryas period.
Graham Hancock
Graham Hancock, a British author and journalist, has been one of the prominent figures popularizing the Younger Dryas Impact Theory. Hancock has written extensively about ancient civilizations, archaeological mysteries, and alternative theories of human history. In his book “Magicians of the Gods” (2015), he discusses the Younger Dryas Impact Theory and its potential implications.
Hancock suggests that a cataclysmic event, such as a comet impact, could explain various global myths, ancient flood stories, and the sudden disappearance of advanced civilizations. He proposes that the impact triggered the Younger Dryas period and led to the destruction of an advanced prehistoric civilization, which he refers to as a lost “Mother Culture.”
While Hancock’s work has gained a significant following and has contributed to popular interest in alternative theories of ancient history, it is important to note that his ideas are considered controversial within the scientific community. Mainstream archaeologists and scientists often criticize his interpretations and assertions, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific evidence and peer-reviewed research to support such claims.
Currently he released a Netflix Documentary series known as Ancient Apocalypse which dives into the theory in which he proposes there is a lost civilization and he states we are a species with amnesia. Some might agree with him after watching the documentary and hearing him on the Joe Rogan Podcasts on Spotify. However, as mentioned earlier he is enemy number one of archeologists as if his statements are to be known as true, it would completely destroy every timeline mainstream archeologists have created in our knowledge bases.
Meltwater Pulse 1B
In theory the Younger Dryas Impact could be possible as there was an increase of water level during the period which was an ice age, but during ice ages there is usually not an increase of water level. As water freezes it should technically reduce sea levels due to the fact that the water is frozen, yet the period is an oddity in history and to science. Many different cultures and religions also talk about the great flood including the idea behind Noah’s ark.
“Meltwater Pulse 1B” (MWP-1B) refers to a specific episode of rapid sea-level rise that occurred during the early Holocene period, approximately 8,200 years ago. It is one of several meltwater pulse events that contributed to rising sea levels following the last glacial maximum. It happened almost directly after the Younger Dryas period meaning that if there was an asteroid impact it could have potentially melted the water causing massive floods which would have severely affected the living creatures at the time of the occurrence.
MWP-1B was characterized by a significant influx of meltwater into the world’s oceans, primarily from the melting ice sheets and glaciers. This sudden increase in water caused a rapid rise in global sea levels over a relatively short period, estimated to be around 50 to 70 years. The exact sources of the meltwater and the mechanisms triggering MWP-1B are still subjects of scientific research and discussion.
The event had significant implications for coastal areas and human populations that were present during that time. It led to the flooding of low-lying coastal regions and the displacement of communities that were located near coastlines. The rising sea levels associated with MWP-1B also had an impact on marine ecosystems and coastal landscapes.
MWP-1B is of interest to scientists studying past climate change, glacial dynamics, and sea-level rise. Understanding past meltwater pulse events helps to improve our knowledge of the processes and rates of sea-level change in response to climate variations, which has relevance for predicting and preparing for future sea-level rise.
Asteroid Impacts
Throughout Earth’s history, there have been several cataclysmic asteroid impacts that have had significant impacts on the planet and its ecosystems. This makes it more possible for the Younger Dryas impact theory to be possible as we continue discovering or finding asteroid related impacts on the planet. Here are a few notable examples:
- Chicxulub Impact: The Chicxulub impact is perhaps the most famous cataclysmic asteroid impact. It occurred approximately 66 million years ago when a large asteroid, estimated to be around 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) in diameter, struck what is now the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This impact is widely believed to have triggered the mass extinction event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species.
- Manicouagan Impact: The Manicouagan impact occurred about 214 million years ago in present-day Quebec, Canada. It formed the Manicouagan Reservoir, a prominent ring-shaped lake. The impact crater is estimated to be around 100 kilometers (62 miles) in diameter, making it one of the largest impact structures on Earth.
- Sudbury Impact: The Sudbury impact occurred approximately 1.85 billion years ago in what is now Ontario, Canada. It formed the Sudbury Basin, which is one of the largest known impact structures on Earth, with a diameter of about 250 kilometers (155 miles). The impact event had significant effects on the local environment and is associated with the formation of rich mineral deposits.
- Vredefort Impact: The Vredefort impact is considered the world’s oldest and largest known impact structure, formed approximately 2.02 billion years ago in what is now South Africa. The impact crater, which has a diameter of about 300 kilometers (186 miles), is not as evident on the surface due to extensive erosion. It played a significant role in shaping the geology of the region.
- The Barringer Crater: While the Arizona crater is an impressive and well-preserved structure, its size and the effects it had were not on the same catastrophic scale as some other major impact events in Earth’s history. It is considered a medium-sized impact crater relative to much larger structures found on Earth, such as Chicxulub in Mexico or Sudbury in Canada.
These are just a few examples of cataclysmic asteroid impacts in Earth’s history. It’s important to note that smaller impact events have occurred more frequently throughout Earth’s history but may not have had global cataclysmic effects. Scientists continue to study impact craters and their effects to better understand the history of these events and their implications for life on Earth. It is challenging to determine the exact number of asteroid impacts throughout Earth’s history due to factors such as erosion, tectonic activity, and the limited preservation of impact structures.
Additionally, older impact structures may have been eroded away or buried deep beneath the Earth’s surface which means if there was a Younger Dryas impact especially if the asteroid exploded before landing it could be completely submerged under soil today. Scientists have identified and studied over 200 confirmed impact structures on Earth. These range in size from small structures a few kilometers in diameter to large structures over 300 kilometers in diameter. It is estimated that there may be many more impact structures that have yet to be discovered.
Ancient Civilizations
The ancient civilizations are thought to have constructed some monumental structures including Göbeklitepe which was built around 9,500 to 8,000 BC. Another great example of a monumental structure is located in Egypt known as the Great Pyramid of Giza which was constructed in 2,550 to 2490 BC. Now these amazing structures are only two of the many which were built by older generations of man. It’s still unknown how these great structures were exactly built with primitive tools and the technology that was available at those ages giving Graham Hancock’s Younger Dryas impact theory more water.
The construction techniques used to build the pyramids in Egypt, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza, are not entirely unknown. While some aspects of the construction process are still subjects of ongoing research and debate, there is a general understanding of the methods employed by the ancient Egyptians. The prevailing consensus among historians and archaeologists is that the pyramids were built using a combination of manpower, ingenuity, and advanced engineering techniques for their time. The ancient Egyptians had significant expertise in quarrying, shaping, and moving large blocks of stone.
The exact number of limestone blocks used in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza is not known with certainty. Estimates vary, but it is believed to have consisted of somewhere between 2.3 and 2.6 million individual blocks.
Regarding the weight of the limestone blocks, they varied in size and weight depending on their position within the pyramid. The average weight of a single limestone block is estimated to be around 2.5 to 15 tons (2,300 to 13,600 kilograms) (2300 to 30,000 pounds). However, some blocks could weigh even more, with the largest blocks in the pyramid estimated to be around 70 tons (63,500 kilograms) (140,000 pounds).
These massive limestone blocks were carefully cut, shaped, transported, and positioned to create the pyramid’s impressive structure. The ancient Egyptians employed innovative techniques and engineering skills to accomplish this remarkable feat of construction. This adds to the idea that the Younger Dryas impact theory could have potentially wiped out a more advanced civilization which could have technically had more advanced technology which were able to construct the Great Pyramid of Giza which newer Egyptians took refuge at.
Criticisms
The Younger Dryas Impact Theory, which proposes that a cosmic impact event contributed to the climate changes during the Younger Dryas period around 12,800 years ago, has faced several criticisms from the scientific community. Some of the main criticisms include:
- Lack of Robust Evidence: Critics argue that the evidence supporting the Younger Dryas Impact Theory is not sufficiently robust or conclusive. They point out that the presence of impact markers, such as microspherules and nanodiamonds, can also be attributed to other natural processes or events unrelated to a cosmic impact.
- Reproducibility of Findings: Some researchers have had difficulty reproducing the claimed evidence for the impact theory. This includes challenges in replicating the detection of impact-related materials, such as spherules and shock features, in sedimentary records from various locations.
- Alternative Explanations for Climate Change: Skeptics suggest that climate changes during the Younger Dryas period could be better explained by other factors, such as changes in ocean circulation patterns, shifts in atmospheric circulation, or changes in solar activity.
- Timing and Spatial Distribution: Critics question the consistency and spatial distribution of the impact markers across different regions. They argue that if a cosmic impact were the cause, the evidence should be more widespread and consistent across the globe, which is not always the case.
- Statistical Analyses and Data Interpretation: Some scientists argue that statistical analyses and data interpretation in support of the Younger Dryas Impact Theory are flawed or biased, and that alternative explanations or interpretations have not been fully explored or adequately considered.
- Lack of Impact Crater: One significant criticism is the absence of a confirmed impact crater associated with the proposed event. Despite extensive efforts, no impact crater of the appropriate age and size has been definitively linked to the Younger Dryas period.
It’s worth noting that the debate surrounding the Younger Dryas Impact Theory is ongoing, and scientific understanding may evolve as more evidence is gathered and analyzed. The criticisms raised highlight the importance of rigorous research, replication of findings, and critical evaluation within the scientific community to ensure accurate and robust scientific conclusions.
Conclusion
Going back and looking at all the history of our planet and the possibilities of the past makes it definitely possible that the human civilization could have been almost wiped out. Although there is no strict evidence for this, there are definitely anomalies considering the magnificent structures of the past and trying to state that humans built them with ropes, primitive tools, ramps, wetting sand, and manpower. It almost seems ridiculous to think that such magnificent structures which would be difficult to recreate today were done by humans of the past.
Whether mainstream archeologists or Graham Hancock is right about our past, it should be examined to try seeing if the possibility could exist. Humanity and our 4.5 billion year old earth still has questions which could not be answered and modern humanity would be foolish to think they understand everything. Archeology is a wonderful study which has discovered hundreds of thousands of facts from our humanity and prehistory. However, if there is a possibility that the story mainstream archeologists use does have holes, it would be a major issue for archeologists today.