A recent study has challenged the prevailing theory regarding a significant platinum spike found in Greenland’s ice sheet, suggesting it may not originate from a meteorite impact but rather from volcanic activity in Iceland. This research, conducted by scientists including James Baldini, highlights a potential volcanic eruption as the source of this unusual chemical signature, dated to approximately 12,800 years ago.
The platinum concentrations were initially found in an ice core from the Greenland Ice Sheet Project (GISP2) and were associated with the onset of the Younger Dryas Event, a period marked by a dramatic drop in temperatures across the northern hemisphere. This era saw temperatures plummet by more than 15°C, transitioning Europe back to near-glacial conditions after a warming trend following the last ice age. Understanding what caused this abrupt climate shift is crucial for predicting future climate changes.
The traditional explanation for the Younger Dryas involves a massive release of freshwater from melting North American ice sheets, disrupting ocean circulation and affecting global temperatures. Some researchers have posited that a comet or asteroid impact triggered this event. However, the new findings propose a different narrative, indicating that a volcanic eruption could be the culprit.
Analysis of the platinum spike revealed that it occurred roughly 45 years after the Younger Dryas began, suggesting it could not have triggered the cooling. The study also found that the Laacher See eruption, a prominent volcanic event in Germany, did not contribute to the platinum concentrations, as samples from this eruption contained negligible amounts of platinum.
Instead, researchers examined geological samples and discovered that the ice core’s chemical signature closely matched that of volcanic gas condensates from submarine volcanoes, particularly those in Iceland. The unique chemistry could be explained by interactions between volcanic gases and seawater, which may have concentrated platinum while stripping away sulphur compounds. These gases could have been transported to Greenland, depositing the unusual platinum signature in the ice.
Historical accounts of Icelandic eruptions support this theory. For instance, the 8th-century Katla eruption resulted in a significant spike of heavy metals in Greenland’s ice cores, indicating that Iceland’s volcanoes regularly contribute to the chemical makeup of Greenland’s ice.
The study emphasizes that the mechanism responsible for the platinum spike did not initiate the Younger Dryas, but it does highlight a substantial volcanic sulphate spike found in multiple ice cores that coincides with the cooling onset. This eruption, whether from the Laacher See or another unknown source, injected enough sulphur into the atmosphere to rival the largest eruptions recorded in history. Volcanic eruptions can induce cooling by releasing sulphur into the stratosphere, reflecting sunlight and triggering complex climate feedback loops.
While this research focuses on the platinum spike, it does not negate the possibility of extraterrestrial impacts, as evidence such as spherules and black mats remains under consideration. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that a large northern hemispheric volcanic eruption is the most straightforward explanation for the Younger Dryas Event.
Understanding these past climatic triggers is essential for anticipating future changes. While significant meteorite impacts or volcanic eruptions are statistically rare in any given year, they will inevitably occur again. Insights into how Earth’s climate has responded to such events in the past are vital for preparing for potential future consequences.
James Baldini has disclosed that he does not have any financial interests or affiliations that would benefit from this article, ensuring an objective presentation of these significant findings.
