Has human impact on the planet become so significant that humans could be considered a geological force? Geologists at twelve sites around the world have been delving into ocean and lake sediments, into archives held in ice, peat, and stalagmites, to look for traces of the human impact on the planet that will be visible in the far future. They are attempting to define the lower boundary of a proposed new geological epoch: the Anthropocene. You can find out more about each of the twelve sites in this guide, and learn about the official ratification process for a geological epoch via the accompanying texts and audio below.
The Geological Anthropocene is best viewed in full screen on a desktop browser. Core outlines are for illustration purposes only. Measurements are accurate to the nearest centimeter, and represent total material collected.