Geologic time periods are often signified by a definite end or beginning event. For most, they end after a catastrophic event such as a volcanic eruption or asteroid collision. For the newest proposed time period, the anthropocene, things may be a little more blurry. There are many factors that may signal the beginning of a new epoch, but no one piece of evidence can say for sure if a new period should be defined or when this period would start. The author, Jan Zalasiewicz’s research has focused on collecting evidence to support the creation of this new epoch, and lays out examples throughout the article. The evidence that would be used to support the creation of the Anthropocene is currently part of the Holocene, the most recent period
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He emphasizes that time periods on the geologic scale can vary in length and intensity. Some time periods span millions of years while others, like the Holocene, have covered far less than that. The length and division of the period on the time scale depend on the extent of changes to the Earth, as well as the presence of spikes in GSSP. Following a catastrophic event, the Earth’s surface and processes significantly change, therefore signaling the beginning of a new period. For the anthropocene, the presence of a catastrophic event may be lacking, but there are substantial changes in certain places. These changes, in places such as the oceans and the atmosphere, may be enough to convince the scientific community and the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) to adopt the Anthropocene as a new epoch in the geologic time …show more content…
He is the chair of the Anthropocene Working Group that is evaluating the issue for the
International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS). His research interests include stratigraphic analysis, study of the anthropocene concept, sedimentation, diagenesis, and other geological processes.
Two Questions:
What other measurements can be used to show human effect on the planet? Should one look at interactions with other species to determine if this is truly a period shaped by humans?
2. Should current information be compared to past time periods to ensure that a cycle is not being repeated? There is a comparison to previous interglacial periods, but should there be comparisons to other
He emphasizes that time periods on the geologic scale can vary in length and intensity. Some time periods span millions of years while others, like the Holocene, have covered far less than that. The length and division of the period on the time scale depend on the extent of changes to the Earth, as well as the presence of spikes in GSSP. Following a catastrophic event, the Earth’s surface and processes significantly change, therefore signaling the beginning of a new period. For the anthropocene, the presence of a catastrophic event may be lacking, but there are substantial changes in certain places. These changes, in places such as the oceans and the atmosphere, may be enough to convince the scientific community and the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) to adopt the Anthropocene as a new epoch in the geologic time …show more content…
He is the chair of the Anthropocene Working Group that is evaluating the issue for the
International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS). His research interests include stratigraphic analysis, study of the anthropocene concept, sedimentation, diagenesis, and other geological processes.
Two Questions:
What other measurements can be used to show human effect on the planet? Should one look at interactions with other species to determine if this is truly a period shaped by humans?
2. Should current information be compared to past time periods to ensure that a cycle is not being repeated? There is a comparison to previous interglacial periods, but should there be comparisons to other