Latest news with #IUGS
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Archeologists Join Geologists In The Quest To Define The Age Of Humans
The evolution of the human mind has allowed us to transcend our modern understandings of time and expand into the realm of 'deep time thinking.' One example of this is the Geologic Time Scale (GTS), a human construct that traces the astrophysical events that have affected the composition and structure of the Earth since it was formed some 4.6 billion years ago. Scientists have assembled bits and pieces of this huge temporal scale into periods of relative climatic and biotic stability based on geological and fossil data. By ordering these events sequentially in time, they have been able to reconstruct when, how, and under what conditions life emerged on the planet. Under the aegis of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) is charged with defining geological epochs based on fundamental changes registered in the Earth's geological formations. The GTS is often depicted with spiraling concentric branches divided into segments representing distinct geological epochs defined by periods of relative geobiological stability. These epochs are named, dated, and ordered, and the length of each segment is proportional to its duration relative to the other phases. As we progress toward the outer rings of the spiral, we notice that the time segments gradually become smaller, especially around 500 million years ago after the unprecedented proliferation of complex life forms that appeared during the Cambrian explosion, which accelerated the pace of global ecological changes registered in the Earth's layers. The emergence of the first humanoid species has been traced back to only around 7 million years ago and is placed at the extreme tip of the last branch of the spiral, underscoring how little time has passed, relatively, since our ancestors appeared on the planet. Based on global climatic data, the evolutionary story of the genus Homo has taken place throughout the Quaternary Period that began around 2.58 million years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch. This period roughly overlaps with the invention of the first breakthrough human technologies made from stone. A global warming event that began 11,650 years ago around the same time as the emergence of early sedentary civilisations in the Fertile Crescent signals the start of the Holocene Epoch, in which we currently live. The Anthropocene (The Age of Humans) has been proposed as a new geological epoch after or within the Holocene, and, if formalised, would be the first to be introduced based on geologically observable effects of human activity on the planet. This compelling proposal spurred the establishment of the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG), which is tasked to evaluate whether the geophysical signature of human behavior is sufficient to justify placing this new epoch at the apex of the spiraling branches of the GTS. While many scientists agree on the idea in principle, a major point of contention is when exactly the Anthropocene began. Not surprisingly, pinpointing a precise threshold when human activity caused recognisable global geological alteration has proven to be a very difficult task that geologists and archeologists are working together to resolve. Some archeologists consider the Anthropocene as an incremental process, whose genesis can be identified diachronically in the Earth's strata as early as tens of thousands of years ago, when modern humans consolidated planetary dominance, appropriating and transforming landscapes and biotic resources in archeologically detectable ways. Anthropogenic signals, such as changes in ecosystems brought on by human overhunting of ice age megafauna, can be traced back to this period. By 10,000 years ago, plant and animal domestication boosted human ecosystem engineering as populations grew steadily through time. By around 5,000 years ago, the first urban dwellings drew swelling numbers of individuals into restricted areas, and technological innovation surged after the invention of metallurgy. Growing populations and intensified farming consumed and modified land, and animal husbandry led to increases in methane emissions traceable in the Earth's sedimentary record. The human imprint on the planet becomes significantly more conspicuous after the industrial age was launched in the Western world around 200 years ago, with an upsurge in carbon emissions from burning coal to feed technological development and increasing concentration of greenhouse gases driving global warming. While viable arguments support each of these signposts along our evolutionary highway, the AWG concluded that the most suitable time to begin the Anthropocene would be in the 1950s, when the Great Acceleration sharply augmented the signs of human activity in the global geological record. This made the signs even more clearly distinguishable thanks to a wide range of indicators synchronously chronicling their symptoms, like climate deregulation, atmospheric, terrestrial, and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, excessive resource consumption, and massive land transformations. In March 2024, the IUGS decided not to formally integrate the Anthropocene into the GTS; a verdict that has hardly quelled disagreements surrounding this matter. And there are other problems related to this issue. For example, while the existing chronostratigraphic divisions of the GTS register periods of stability lasting millions of years, the Anthropocene would be the first geological epoch to occur within only a human lifetime. Even if we situate its beginning thousands of years before the industrial revolution, the Anthropocene sedimentary archive is currently still under formation. No matter the outcome of this fascinating planet-wide debate, the Anthropocene has indelibly entered into scientific and social discourse as the world faces many challenges posed by the unprecedented expansion of advanced human populations with unique techno-social behaviors that are now clearly linked to cataclysmic climatic events and biological genocide. It has become evident that the implications of the Anthropocene now exceed the question of its validity as a geochronological division in the Earth's evolutionary history. While geologists examine the end results of long-term paleoecological scenarios, archeologists center on more recent layers that record the origins and evolution of human life (the archeosphere). Fascinating interpretations are coming out of the collaboration between geologists and archeologists on the issue of the Anthropocene. Among these, the concept of the physical technosphere is particularly interesting since it addresses questions about how the entire mass of materials manufactured and modified by humans is becoming assimilated into the Earth system. In 2016, Jan Zalasiewicz and colleagues estimated the total mass of the physical technosphere to be a staggering 30 trillion tons, and it continues to grow, far surpassing both the volume and the diversity of the domesticated biosphere (plants and animals). 'We define the physical technosphere as consisting of technological materials within which a human component can be distinguished, with part in active use and part being a material residue. The human signature may be recognised by characteristics including form, function and composition that result from deliberate design, manufacture and processing. This includes extraction, processing and refining raw geological materials into novel forms and combinations of elements, compounds and products,' stated the article by Zalasiewicz and colleagues published in the Anthropocene Review, United Kingdom. The study further added, 'The active technosphere is made up of buildings, roads, energy supply structures, all tools, machines, and consumer goods that are currently in use or usable, together with farmlands and managed forests on land, the trawler scours and other excavations of the seafloor in the oceans, and so on. It is highly diverse in structure, with novel inanimate components including new minerals and materials… and a living part that includes crop plants and domesticated animals. Humans both produce and are sustained by (and now are dependent on) the rest of the physical technosphere.' Although it was formed culturally because of anthropogenic agency, the technosphere combined with natural forces, has become an integral part of the functioning Earth system. It operates above and below the ground, in the seas, and even in outer space, with components interacting constantly and dynamically with the lithosphere, the biosphere, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. While these other spheres have evolved over millions, or even billions of years, the technosphere—like the Anthropocene—has existed for a comparatively minute period of time. Continuously growing in pace with human demography and technological advances, the technosphere now generates so much excess waste that it cannot all be recycled back into the system, creating an imbalance in the structural relationships guiding the planet's equilibrium and generating traceable Anthropocene deposits. Beyond its physical aspects, the technosphere also encompasses the human social structures that enable it to function and in which all individuals play a part. Much like the synapses within the human brain or molecular systems forming the parts of a larger whole, humans constitute the individual components of the technosphere, cooperating to enable it to function while also creating the need for its existence. 'The technosphere is also manifest in the wide distribution of myriad artefacts such as needles, motors, and medicines, and by technological or technologically assisted processes like pumping and harvesting, as well as by nominally human activities that are closely tied to technological processes, such as watching television or filling out tax forms. Most such localised systems, processes and artefacts derive from, or are connected either directly or indirectly to, the globe-spanning networks of the technosphere,' stated the 2014 article by P. K. Haff, published in the Geological Society, London. Following geological precepts and using methodologies classically applied in archeological sciences, the imprint of human activity on the planet is gradually being defined, quantified, mapped, and categorised, while novel subjects like technospheric taxonomy are being developed to complement traditional geological and stratigraphic practices. Just like the remnants of prehistoric material culture—like stone tools or pottery sherds—the objects we produce, use, and throw away in our daily lives are transforming into technofossils that will become markers in the chronocultural framework of human evolution, providing fodder for future archeologists. At the generational scale, residues from polluting gases, sewage, toxic chemicals, and microplastics are melding into sedimentary layers, and artificial ground transformed by landfills, war rubble, mining, and urban settings is converted into novel anthropic geological settings with the passage of time. There is no doubt that scarring and modification of land and sea resulting from wars, agriculture, urbanisation, mining, and other human activities are being incorporated into the Earth's geological layers. The evolution of human technologies has led our species to embark on an ongoing process that began incrementally and snowballed exponentially over the millennia, converting into the emblem of modern human heritage. The global distribution of all human waste will be chronicled in relation to its position in sub-actual sedimentary formations that—in the not so distant future—will serve to define and classify the sequential cultural contexts of the Anthropocene. Author Bio: Deborah Barsky is a writing fellow for the Human Bridges, a researcher at the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution, and an associate professor at the Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain, with the Open University of Catalonia (UOC). She is the author of Human Prehistory: Exploring the Past to Understand the Future (Cambridge University Press, 2022). Credit Line:
Egypt Independent
02-05-2025
- Science
- Egypt Independent
Why scientists say this stunning ancient lake in Turkey might as well be on Mars
With its vivid turquoise, green and blue waters, it's no surprise Lake Salda is often promoted as the 'Maldives of Turkey.' Extraordinary to look at, peaceful and surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, it's little wonder if has become a significant, if lesser-known attraction, located deep in the country's southwest. But there's so much more to this gorgeous body of water and its white-sand beaches than just beauty to get tourists excited. According to scientists, Lake Salda is the only place on Earth that's analogous to the Jezero Crater on Mars. It's a fact that has piqued the interest in space scientists at a time when humankind is increasingly turning its attention to the Red Planet as a possible destination for a crewed mission. It's also helped increase environmental awareness around this fragile treasure, which is facing existential threats from pollution and decreasing water levels. Briony Horgan, a professor at Purdue University's Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences Department, traveled to Turkey in 2019 with NASA's Perseverance rover team to study the mysterious lake, and was struck by its resemblance to a distant planet. 'It's really just an incredibly unique place,' she tells CNN Travel. 'And in many ways, it actually felt like standing on the shores of ancient Lake Jezero on Mars.' In space exploration, a planetary analog is a place on Earth that's considered similar or comparable to the conditions found on another planet or moon. Horgan says finding a Mars analog here is particularly challenging because of the high levels of iron and magnesium that make up the composition of the Red Planet, and 'they're very primitive.' However, she says Lake Salda's basin is 'of that composition that was created at the bottom of an ocean when the oceanic crust ripped apart and made new crust straight out of the interior of the Earth.' This process, says Horgan, is to credit for Lake Salda's Mars-like environment. Greater protections needed, say experts A general view of an exposed island of old microbialites in Lake Salda. Umit Bektas/Reuters Last year, the International Commission on Geoheritage (IUGS) announced the inclusion of Lake Salda on its list of the world's Top 100 geological sites. Balcı was among the major contributors who presented evidence to support its addition to the list. 'We prepared a file (showing) that Salda contains important information about Mars and the early Earth and that if they are lost, we will have difficulty finding and understanding such information,' she explains. In recent years, environmentalists and lawyers have been vocal about the need to increase protections and awareness about the value of the lake beyond its physical beauty. While some experts are optimistic that being on the IUGS list will have a positive effect on these efforts, others are still skeptical, like retired lecturer Erol Kesici of Süleyman Demirel University's Eğirdir Water Resources Faculty. Founder of the Turkish Water Institute, Kesici is also a scientific advisor to two environmental associations, the Association for the Protection Of Turkey's Nature and the Nature and Sustainability Association. 'Despite Lake Salda having numerous sensitive and protected areas, such as natural conservation areas and other conservation statuses, there are serious issues in practice,' he says. 'The excessive pollution and contamination caused by the construction of ponds and dams are causing the lake's ecosystem, turquoise water, and (endemic) species to disappear gradually.' Professor Horgan expressed similar sentiments, noting that Lake Salda is 'a wonderful location that I hope many people get to see. But it's the kind of place we should make sure we appreciate responsibly.' A treasure trove for nature lovers all year long Hikers explore the trails around Lake Salda. Selcuk Oner/Lake Salda is home to 301 plant species, two of which are endemic and grow in the lake basin, as well three endemic fish species, and over 30 water bird species, among more common animals like wild boars and foxes. These make Lake Salda among the best places in Turkey for nature photography and hiking. 'The best season to visit Salda is spring and early summer,' notes Hasan Gülday, a tour guide based in western Turkey. 'The harmony of the green trees around, the white shores of the lake, and the turquoise color emerges best in this period.' However, you can visit Lake Salda at any time of the year, including the winter. In fact, the road to the nearby Salda Ski Center offers the best panoramic view of Lake Salda and its surroundings, so stunning many assume images taken there were photoshopped. If you plan your journey around July and early August, you can admire the purple lavender fields southwest of the lake, where locals make lavender-scented soap and fragrances, some of the best souvenirs to bring back home. People are permitted to swim in the lake, and many do, but opinions on how to best protect the body of water from these visitors are mixed. 'I want time restrictions and capacity limits to be set for activities like swimming,' says guide Gülday. Scientific advisor Kesici, meanwhile, is entirely against people getting into the water because 'it's a closed lake, all waste remains within (it).' Also, he says some people take mud baths, believing it can help heal some skin conditions, but this can damage the lake's delicate ecosystem as well. Exploring the area Lake Salda is located in Burdur, close to the city borders of Denizli, which hosts another gem of Turkey, Pamukkale — only about a 1.5-hour drive northeast. The region is referred to as the Turkish Lake District or Turkish Lakeland. Gülday also recommends visiting the ancient cities of Kibyra and Sagalassos, both of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Kibyra is a settlement that dates back to the early Iron Age, about a 1.5-hour drive south of Salda. The city has been at the crossroads of important trade routes for centuries, and Hellenistic, Roman, Lydian, and Pisidian cultures influenced the settlement. Sagalassos's history dates back some 12,000 years, and it was left to its fate after the 6th century due to epidemics, raids and natural disasters, such as earthquakes. It's one of the best-preserved archeological sites in Turkey because its remote location prevented it from looting, and the settlement was quickly covered by vegetation and soil due to erosion. Getting there: Many travelers opt to rent a car to better explore the area's scenic drives. The trip from Antalya to Lake Salda takes about 2.5 hours. Tour companies also offer tours of the area, including the lake.
Japan Times
01-04-2025
- General
- Japan Times
Tsukuba massif granite, one of the world's few heritage stones
In 2024, the Tsukuba massif granite of the Mt. Tsukuba Area Geopark was certified by the International Union of Geological Sciences as one of the first 55 IUGS Heritage Stones, which have been 'used in significant architecture and monuments' and 'recognized as integral aspects of human culture.' In a recent interview with The Japan Times, Mt. Tsukuba Area Geopark Promotion Council specialist Kaoru Sugihara, a geologist and former professor, spoke about the characteristics of the region's granite and the positive effects that the certification has brought. The geopark covers a large area in central Ibaraki Prefecture west of Lake Kasumigaura, Japan's second-largest lake. With Mount Tsukuba at its center and many other smaller mountains, the area is home to three main types of granite, formed at different times and named after the areas where they are found: Tsukuba granite, Kabasan granite and Inada granite. 'They can be further divided into smaller groups based on their characteristics,' Sugihara said. 'But it is not only the geological diversity and scientific value that the IUGS recognizes, but also the cultural and historical value of the stones based on how local people have used the resources.' He explained that the council had decided to apply for certification for a number of reasons. 'By having our important regional resource certified by a global organization, we will be able to promote not only the stones, but also the geopark itself. This will help increase the international presence of Japan's geopark network and contribute to the broader global geopark community,' he said. Another purpose was to promote and support the local stone industry: 'We need to preserve the special techniques of mining and stone working while securing human resources. This certification was a perfect opportunity for people in the industry to think about how to preserve the mining culture in a sustainable way while preserving the geological heritage itself.' The certification was also an opportunity to reassess the local history and culture. Sugihara noted that in ancient times, mountain worship flourished in this area, and huge stones and rocks found in the mountains were the object of worship and places for ascetic practices. In the Kamakura Period, the value of these stones as building materials was further recognized, and stone-carving technology developed in the area. An artisan works on a Makabe stone lantern made from Kabasan granite. | MT. TSUKUBA AREA GEOPARK PROMOTION COUNCIL 'With the introduction of Western culture to Japan during the Meiji Era, Western-style stone architecture flourished in the Kanto region, leading to the extensive use of granite from the Tsukuba mountains in buildings that are now recognized as National Treasures and important cultural assets,' said Sugihara. He pointed out that a major outcome of the IUGS Heritage Stone certification has been an increased interest in the geopark among those involved in the stone industry, and a heightened sense of confidence and pride in the history and techniques of the local stone industry. 'There has also been an increased awareness of the need for sustainable practices within the stone industry. I believe it is possible to find ways to improve the sustainability of stone quarrying and processing while preserving the rich history and culture of the region, which is rooted in the use of stone as a resource,' he said. He also noted that efforts are being made to improve technology to increase the proportion of commercially viable stone, which has been less than 30% of the total extracted from the mountains. 'The development of new products using stone waste, including toys and craft items, is also underway,' he said. The council is also planning tours to Tokyo this year to visit places and buildings where Ibaraki granite is used. 'For example, the granite mined in the Inada region, in the northern part of the geopark, is used in the walls of the Supreme Court of Japan,' Sugihara said. He noted that various parts of the Diet building and Tokyo Station are also made of granite from Ibaraki. 'We hope to bring people from Tokyo and other parts of Japan to Ibaraki to see the quarries and how the stone is processed,' he said. The Tsukuba Geo Museum features exhibits, educational installations and video materials that help people learn how stone is formed, mined, processed and made into building materials and traditional crafts such as stone lanterns. 'Through various efforts, we aim to arouse interest in the industry among younger generations in order to preserve the regional culture,' Sugihara said. Tsukuba is a member of the Sustainable Japan Network, a group of companies that cooperate with this newspaper to spread information about sustainability in Japan. You can also be part of the network; visit for more details.
