Search is on for 'golden spike' signaling start of Anthropocene
Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - 07:31
in Astronomy & Space
(Phys.org)—A working group of planetary scientists is set to formally address the 35th International Geological Congress this month on the issue of whether to declare that the Earth has entered a new geological epoch—the Anthropocene. If an agreement is reached that will likely set off a search for a "golden spike" to serve as the official start date. If all goes according to plan, there could be a formal declaration by the International Union of Geological Sciences as soon as two years from now.