"Defining the Anthropocene: Crawford Lake and Nuclear Fallout as Markers of Human Impact on Earth"
A panel of scientists has chosen Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, to represent the start of the Anthropocene epoch, a proposed new chapter in Earth's history that marks significant human-induced changes to the planet. The lake was selected for its clear evidence of humankind's influence on the global geologic record, including changes in plutonium and radiocarbon from nuclear detonations, and fly ash from burning fossil fuels. The final ruling on the Anthropocene will determine the nomenclature used in academic studies and shape humanity's understanding of its impact on Earth. However, the process of ratification by geologists is still ongoing, and some members have resigned due to disagreements over the panel's approach.
- Scientists Choose Crawford Lake to Represent Start of Anthropocene Epoch The New York Times
- Nuclear bomb fallout chosen to define start of Anthropocene The Guardian
- Crawford Lake in Canada marks beginning of ‘Anthropocene,’ scientists say The Washington Post
- Scientists now say a new epoch – the Anthropocene, marked by human impact on Earth – began in 1950s The Associated Press
- Scientists close to proving Earth has entered man-made Anthropocene era Financial Times
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