A previously unrecognized late-glacial cold event in eastern North America

摘要: THE transition between the last glacial period and present interglacial was marked by pronounced abrupt changes in climate1,2, one of which, Younger Dryas event, resulted a return to almost full-glacial conditions. Here we evidence for short but intense cold eastern North America, pre-dating Dryas, revealed analysing organic, pollen midge content lake sediments at very high resolution. We name this event Killarney Oscillation it lasted from 11,160 10,910 radiocarbon years BP. Because corresponds Gerzensee Switzerland can be correlated with other short-term events reported across Atlantic seaboard3–14, conclude that single affected all region. This pre-Younger is similar nature geographic extent major cooling Dryas15, raising possibility these two are causally related.