Comet Blast Linked to Megafauna Extinction 13,000 Years Ago

Speedy Summary:

• A new study published in PLOS One supports the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis, suggesting a cosmic event triggered massive disruption in North America around 13,000 years ago.
• Researchers cite shocked quartz grains found at three archaeological sites (Murray Springs, Blackwater Draw, and Arlington Canyon) as evidence of a comet airburst above North America.
• The Younger Dryas cooling period (12,900-11,600 years ago) led to drastic environmental changes: extinction of over 70% of native megafauna and the disappearance of the Clovis culture.
• The study contends that smoke and soot from widespread burning caused by the explosion blocked sunlight and significantly dropped temperatures.
• Electron microscopy confirmed that the quartz grains experienced extreme conditions inconsistent with volcanism or other terrestrial processes.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The findings may have broader implications for understanding abrupt climate shifts originating from extraterrestrial events like comet impacts. While shocking in their relevance to ancient history, such studies remind us about Earth’s vulnerability to cosmic phenomena that can trigger global environmental changes. For india-embedded within global research networks-these discoveries highlight opportunities for Indian scientists to contribute meaningfully toward studying past climate dynamics and planetary defence mechanisms against future celestial threats like asteroid impacts. Understanding these phenomena emphasizes worldwide collaboration necessary for safeguarding humanity’s shared future.

Read more: Cracked Quartz Points to a Comet impact