Science
Out of context: Reply #670
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The Anthropocene is functionally and stratigraphically distinct from the Holocene
http://www.sciencemag.org/conten…Abstract
Human activity is leaving a pervasive and persistent signature on Earth. Vigorous debate continues about whether this warrants recognition as a new geologic time unit known as the Anthropocene. We review anthropogenic markers of functional changes in the Earth system through the stratigraphic record. The appearance of manufactured materials in sediments, including aluminum, plastics, and concrete, coincides with global spikes in fallout radionuclides and particulates from fossil fuel combustion. Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles have been substantially modified over the past century. Rates of sea-level rise and the extent of human perturbation of the climate system exceed Late Holocene changes. Biotic changes include species invasions worldwide and accelerating rates of extinction. These combined signals render the Anthropocene stratigraphically distinct from the Holocene and earlier epochs.- yes this is upsetting.sarahfailin
- Pussies.
Each and every one of us has had a more long-lasting impact on the Earth's future than any creature ever, before.
+1 Win Humansdetritus