Younger Dryas

The Younger Dryas was a significant period of abrupt climate change that occurred about 12,900 to 11,700 years ago, marking a return to colder conditions during an overall trend towards warming after the last Ice Age. Named after a flower that thrived in the cooler climate, this event caused temperatures to drop suddenly, affecting ecosystems and human populations. Researchers believe it was triggered by changes in ocean currents, possibly linked to the melting of ice sheets. The Younger Dryas ultimately ended as the climate warmed again, leading to the development of more stable environments conducive to agriculture and human civilization.