The most widely acceptable theory for the onset of the Younger Dryas is that B. The meltwater from retreating glaciers disrupted the North Atlantic Ocean circulation.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the widely accepted explanation for the Younger Dryas period, specifically which theory is considered the most credible among several options provided.
Answer
Meltwater from glaciers disrupted North Atlantic circulation.
The most widely accepted theory for the onset of the Younger Dryas is that meltwater from retreating glaciers disrupted the North Atlantic Ocean circulation. This supports the idea of a slowing or disruption in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) as a cause for the sudden climate changes.
Answer for screen readers
The most widely accepted theory for the onset of the Younger Dryas is that meltwater from retreating glaciers disrupted the North Atlantic Ocean circulation. This supports the idea of a slowing or disruption in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) as a cause for the sudden climate changes.
More Information
The Younger Dryas is a well-known climatic event that occurred approximately 12,900 years ago, marked by a sudden return to glacial conditions after a period of warming. The theory involving meltwater disrupting ocean currents is widely accepted because it explains the rapid climate change observed in geological records.
Tips
Confusing the effects of localized meltwater discharge with global climatic changes can lead to incorrect assumptions. It's important to understand how regional ocean circulations influence broader climate systems.
Sources
- The Younger Dryas Stadial - ScienceDirect - sciencedirect.com
- Mechanisms of abrupt climate change of the last glacial period - 2008 - agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
