Unveiling Japan Sea's Sludge: A Disturbing Tale of Human Impact on Earth

Beppu Bay in Japan is being considered as a potential "golden spike" location for the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch defined by human impact on the Earth. The sediment in Beppu Bay contains layers that document various anthropogenic markers, including manmade chemicals, radionuclides, and microplastics. The unique characteristics of the bay, such as its basin-like shape and lack of oxygen, have preserved these markers, allowing scientists to pinpoint the precise date and level of the Anthropocene-Holocene boundary. The bay also contains signatures from nuclear bomb tests carried out in the Pacific Ocean, making it a compelling site for understanding human impact on the environment.