The stratigraphical signature of the Anthropocene in England and its wider context |
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| Authors: | Jan Zalasiewicz Colin Waters Mark Williams David C Aldridge Ian P Wilkinson |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;2. Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QY, UK |
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| Abstract: | The Anthropocene deposits of England, here regarded as those formed after ～1950 CE, are now extensive, take various forms, and may be characterized and recognized by a number of stratigraphic signals, such as artificial radionuclides, pesticide residues, microplastics, enhanced fly ash levels, concrete fragments and a novel variety of ‘technofossils’ and neobiotic species. They include the uppermost parts of both ‘natural’ deposits such as the sediment layers formed in lakes and estuaries, and more directly human-made or human-influenced ones such as landfill deposits and the ‘artificial ground’ beneath urban areas and around major constructions. ‘Negative deposits’ include the worked areas of quarries and regions such as the English Fenland, where thick peat deposits have ablated to leave a strongly modified underlying landscape, and extend beneath into the subterranean realm as mine workings, metro systems and boreholes. The production of these is still rapidly increasing and evolving in character, while the early signs of global change, such as warming, sea level rise, and modifications to biotic assemblages, are beginning to further modify the emerging geology of this new phase of Earth history. |
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| Keywords: | Anthropocene Stratigraphy Neobiota Technofossils Anthroturbation |
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