ERS103H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Geologic Time Scale, Geochemistry, Anthropocene
Document Summary
The age of the humans is written in stone. Recent changes to the earth"s environment suggest that society may have started a new geological epoch, the anthropocene. Anthropocene, geologists are discovering new evidence to support the theory. Human activity and colonization have altered the earth"s lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere and atmosphere. By analyzing rocks and the impact of humans on the earth"s spheres, geologists can determine how and when the anthropocene epoch started. Ancient rocks are studied by geologists to determine the year the anthropocene began. The industrial revolution propelled the human population forward with the invention of machinery, usage of textiles, and village urbanization. Traces of decaying carbon can be found in rocks to give geologists clues about atmospheric conditions. Before the 1800s, co2 levels remained consistent at 270ppm, however due to the increase in usage of coal, these levels reached 390ppm by 18501. The industrial revolution also brought forward the demand for textiles.
