Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Anthropocene Series: Where and how to look for potential candidates

Abstract

The Anthropocene as a potential new unit of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (which serves as the basis of the Geological Time Scale) is assessed in terms of the stratigraphic markers and approximate boundary levels available to define the base of the unit. The task of assessing and selecting potential Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) candidate sections, a required part of the process in seeking formalisation of the term, is now being actively pursued. Here, we review the suitability of different stratified palaeoenvironmental settings and facies as potential hosts for a candidate GSSP and auxiliary sections, and the relevant stratigraphical markers for correlation. Published examples are evaluated for their strengths and weaknesses in this respect. A marked upturn in abundance of radioisotopes of 239 Pu or 14 C, approximately in 1952 and 1954 CE respectively, broadly coincident with a downturn in δ 13 C values, is applicable across most environments. Principal palaeoenvironments examined include: settings associated with accumulations of anthropogenic material, marine anoxic basins, coral reefs, estuaries and deltas, lakes at various latitudes, peat bogs, snow/ice layers, speleothems and trees.Together, many of these geographically diverse palaeoenvironments offer annual/subannual laminae that can be counted and independently dated radiometrically (e.g. by 210 Pb).Examples of possible sections offer the possibility of correlation with annual/seasonal resolution. From among such examples, a small number of potentially representative sites require the acquisition of more systematic and comprehensive datasets, with correlation established between sections, to allow selection of a candidate GSSP and auxiliary stratotypes. The assessments in this paper will help find the optimal locations for these sections.

How to date natural archives of the Anthropocene

“…Accompanying data of radiocarbon activity (relative to modern 14 C) annual lamina thickness and oxygen and carbon stable isotope data for this speleothem scaled to the lamina age. (Modified from Waters et al ., . )…”

“…Timeline showing the range of suitability of specific radiogenic dating techniques and marker events, including example bomb spikes and volcanic eruptions. (Modified from Waters et al ., . )…”

“…Examples of geochemical signals evident in polar ice. Law Dome ice core and firn records (Antarctica) for a. CO 2 concentration and δ 13 C for atmospheric CO 2 and b. CH 4 concentration and δ 13 C for atmospheric CH 4 (Modified from Waters et al ., . ); c. N 2 O concentrations in the Law Dome ice core, NO 3 ‐ concentrations and δ 15 N for atmospheric NO 3 – from Greenland ice cores (modified from Waters et al ., and Wolff, ); and d. SO 4 2‐ concentrations from Greenland ice cores (from Wolff, ).…”

Invasive mollusc faunas of the River Thames exemplify biostratigraphical characterization of the Anthropocene

“…Indeed, efforts are now being made to test potential GSSPs (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Points) and auxiliary sections, through the study of biological invasions, geochemical signatures and technofossils, allowing the correlation of broader stratigraphical datasets within the Anthropocene (Waters et al . ).…”

Photoperiodic Biodiversities Under Lightpollution in India During Anthropocene Epoch.

“…Bhandari et al, (2011) [19] reported that GDP at the district level is significantly explained by night lights in the area. Waters et al, (2018) [20] have expressed that the anthropocene epoch is potential to find a place in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (ICC).…”