Scientists are on the verge of ushering in a groundbreaking era in geology where human influence becomes the primary force shaping Earth’s climate and environment.
Out of 12 globally identified locations, Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, has been designated as the official starting point of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch that began in the 1950s. This announcement was made at the Max Planck Society Conference for a Sustainable Anthropocene in Berlin on July 11.
The sediments at the bottom of Crawford Lake provide an exceptionally accurate record of human impact on Earth. They contain traces of plutonium from nuclear weapons testing, ash from fossil fuel combustion, and various heavy metals and microplastics.
It’s important to note that the Anthropocene is not an officially recognized geological epoch yet. Several committees must review and approve the proposed epoch before it can be added to the geological time scale. If approved, it would mark the end of the Holocene Epoch, which has spanned approximately 12,000 years since the last ice age.
The term “Anthropocene” was first introduced in the early 2000s to describe the ongoing era of significant global human alterations to the planet. However, it lacked a formal geological definition and quickly spread to various disciplines beyond geology. Earth scientist Simon Turner from University College London explains that the goal has been to define the Anthropocene since its rapid expansion.
In 2009, the International Commission on Stratigraphy established a committee to characterize the Anthropocene and determine its eligibility for inclusion in the geological time scale. After more than a decade, the committee has selected Crawford Lake out of the 12 potential sites as the Anthropocene’s “Global Stratotype Section and Point” – a reference site illustrating a distinct change in rock, ice, or other layers signaling the onset of a new geological era.
Each candidate site, from coral reefs to ice sheets to peat bogs, offers a remarkable record of human activity within its layers. Turner, who is a secretary and voting member of the committee, compares choosing Crawford Lake to picking a favorite child.
Crawford Lake’s layers of sediment hold a remarkably precise historical record of human activity. Each summer, mineral crystals form near the water’s surface due to warm temperatures and pH levels. These crystals gradually settle to the lake’s bottom, creating distinct layers reminiscent of tree rings. By counting backwards from the surface layer, the year in which each layer was formed can be determined. These layers reveal a significant increase in radioactivity and other evidence of human influence since the early 1950s.
However, there is debate among scientists about whether the Anthropocene truly began only 70 years ago and whether it should even be defined as a geological term. Paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill from the University of Maine argues that setting a clear boundary in the geologic record creates a binary distinction between before and after, ignoring the fact that human impact existed before the proposed starting point. Gill suggests that maintaining an informal and adaptable concept, similar to how it is currently used in other disciplines, may be more advantageous.
Nonetheless, the attempt to define the Anthropocene in geological terms highlights humanity’s rapid and profound impact on the planet. As Turner puts it, “We’ve become a geological force.”
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
