Setting Boundaries for the Anthropocene

Explore a thought-provoking press conference from the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting that delves into the concept of the Anthropocene and the challenges of defining its boundaries. Learn from a panel of experts as they discuss potential markers for the start of human geological influence, including fossils, contaminants, and excavated ground. Gain insights into the scientific debate surrounding the official recognition of the "Age of Man" as a geological epoch and understand the complexities involved in identifying stratigraphic evidence for future geologists. Discover the various perspectives on human impact on the planet, from extinction events to physical deposits, and explore the research goals and methodologies used to study and date human-induced changes in the Earth's systems.

Introduction
The Anthropocene
Setting the scene
Human activity
Extinction
Possible boundaries
Stratigraphy
Iridium Spike
Thought Experiment
Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons
Physical deposits
Research goals
Types of deposits
Dating human deposits
Impact on the subsurface
Mineral extraction
Cement production
The procedure
Questions
Deltaic environments
Preservation
Direct human influence
Perspective
What motivates you
Political answer
Conclusion