End of the Younger Dryas

The end of the Younger Dryas marks the abrupt warming period around 11,700 years ago, which ended the last Ice Age's colder phase. During this time, Earth’s climate rapidly shifted from near-glacial conditions to more temperate, allowing ice sheets to melt significantly. This sudden change was likely triggered by freshwater from melting glaciers disrupting ocean currents responsible for distributing heat globally. The end of the Younger Dryas led to the development of the modern climate and the rise of human civilizations, marking a key turning point in Earth's environmental history.