Question

40 POINTS HELPP

The Anthropocene is still considered an informal designation because International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), the international organization that names and defines epochs, has not officially designated it an epoch. Their criteria for the designation of a new epoch are that there should be evidence of human impacts and change in the rock record.

What activities and impact could humans be responsible for that might be reflected in the rock record and thus determine the beginning of the Anthropocene?

(Minimum of two sentences please)

Answer 1

One example of an activity that could be reflected in the rock record and contribute to the beginning of the Anthropocene is the widespread use of fossil fuels, which has led to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and a corresponding shift in the Earth's climate. Another potential contributor to the Anthropocene is the proliferation of plastic and other synthetic materials, which are becoming ubiquitous in the geologic record and may persist for thousands of years.