Reply #38: A similar anomaly possibly started the Younger-Dryas

[Dogmudgeon]

A huge ice lake, similar to the one that has formed in Antarctica, formed on the Laurentian Ice Sheet. When it broke through, it greatly disturbed several thermohaline currents, and the episode is thought to have triggered the Younger-Dryas global cooling period.

Of course, this is just one similar phenomenon, we don't know much about it, most of the details are conjectural, and the current climate change is NOT entirely natural. But we would be wise to fear this icelocked lake, in the event it were to break through to the ocean. The Antarctic is surrounded by what has come to be called "The Southern Ocean", which itself is a major regulator of temperature, carbon gas balance, and other natural macro-processes. If it were to suddenly dump, it would be an epochal event.

Did I say "epochal"? I meant to say "terrifying".

--p!