The Younger Dryas impact hypothesis proposes that a comet or asteroid fragment struck Earth approximately 12,800 years ago, triggering the Younger Dryas ev
What caused the Younger Dryas? Three main hypotheses explain the Younger Dryas cold period (c. 12,900–11,700 BP). First, the leading mainstream theory: a meltwater pulse from glacial Lake Agassiz disrupted Atlantic Ocean circulation. Second, the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis proposes a comet or asteroid airburst triggered the cooling. Third, volcanic activity may have injected aerosols into the atmosphere. Each hypothesis has supporting evidence and unresolved questions debated by geologists and climatologists.
Explore alternative history theories, ancient technology, forbidden archaeology, and ancient mysteries. Every claim is presented with supporting evidence, expert debate, and rigorous archaeological analysis. From the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis to the Sphinx Water Erosion Theory, we examine each theory through the lens of geology, archaeology, astronomy, and comparative mythology. Discover how independent researchers challenge conventional timelines, what the geological record reveals about catastrophic events, and why certain ancient engineering feats continue to puzzle modern scholars. Each theory page links to related sites, key researchers, and supporting academic papers.
Evidence Rating: Moderate
The Younger Dryas impact hypothesis proposes that a comet or asteroid fragment struck Earth approximately 12,800 years ago, triggering the Younger Dryas event — a sudden return to near-glacial temperatures that lasted roughly 1,200 years. This catastrophe, sometimes called the 12,000 years ago...
The Younger Dryas Impact theory is one of several alternative hypotheses examined on Ancient Origins Explorer. This page presents the key evidence, supporting arguments, criticisms from mainstream archaeology, and connections to specific archaeological sites. Every claim is presented alongside counter-arguments so readers can evaluate the evidence and form their own conclusions about this provocative theory.