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Platinum Spike in Greenland Ice Challenges Meteorite Theory

9/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists identify a platinum spike in Greenland ice dated to about 12,800 years ago.
Some researchers favor an Icelandic volcanic eruption as the source, not a meteorite.
The spike aligns with the Younger Dryas; Laacher See pumice analysis shows negligible platinum.
It occurred 45 years after the Younger Dryas began, implying it did not trigger cooling.

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Story summary

Scientists identify a platinum spike in Greenland ice dated to about 12,800 years ago.
Some researchers favor an Icelandic volcanic eruption as the source, not a meteorite.
The spike aligns with the Younger Dryas; Laacher See pumice analysis shows negligible platinum.
It occurred 45 years after the Younger Dryas began, implying it did not trigger cooling.