The Earth experienced a rapid and rapid cold wave 13,000 years ago, as a result of a series of volcanic eruptions that caused the average global temperature to drop by 3 degrees Celsius.
He previously believed that the meteorite impact was responsible for that, but a new study found this to be incorrect. Previous theories were based on geological findings that were improperly attributed to rock landing from space.
However, the new analysis of rock deposits shows that they came from deep underground and were brought to the surface by violent eruptions.
The cooling period in the world is known as Younger Dryas, and is associated with the first human settlers and the extinction of the mystical mammoth.
"This work shows that the geochemical signature associated with the cooling event is not unique, but it occurred 4 times between 9,000 and 15,000 years ago," said study associate professor Alan Brandon of the University of Houston.
Volcanic eruptions release particles into the atmosphere, which reflect the thermal energy from sunlight away from the surface.
Depending on the time frame and magnitude of the explosion, the "global cooling" period can be followed by a volcanic eruption of one to 5 years.
"Younger Dryas, which occurred nearly 13,000 years ago, disrupted the distinct warming at the end of the last ice age," said Associate Professor Stephen Foreman, of Baylor University in the United States.
An analysis of the chemicals present in the soil in the "Halls" Cave in Texas Hill State found traces of rare elements, including osmium, iridium, ruthenium, platinum, palladium and rhenium.
Geographical signatures indicated volcanic origin, not extraterrestrial. Experts say the cooling period lasted about 1,200 years, which is a very long time due to one event.
The results are published in Science Advances.
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