GEO1023: The Anthropocene: A Physical Geography Perspective

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the Anthropocene, including definitions and significant markers of this geological period.

Anthropocene

The period during which humanity has become a planetary force of change.

GSSP

Global standard stratigraphic point, marked by a ‘golden spike’ indicating significant global changes.

Great Acceleration

A term describing rapid changes in human behavior and environment from the 1950s onward.

The Orbis spike

A significant drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide around 1610, marking a permanent change in the Earth's system due to species movement and climate change.

Radionuclide spike

A marker linked to peak radionuclide fallout from nuclear bomb tests in 1964, providing a synchronous stratigraphic signal.

Planetary boundaries

A set of nine limits within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive.

Holocene Epoch

The current geological epoch, classified as part of the Quaternary period of the Cenozoic era.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles found in geological and freshwater systems, indicating a human fingerprint.

Eons, Eras, Periods, and Epochs

Hierarchical units of geological time used to categorize the Earth's history.

Crawford Lake

A proposed GSSP for the Anthropocene, with well-preserved annual layers of sediment reflecting environmental changes.