Japan sea sludge tells story of human impact on Earth
The sediment in Japan’s Beppu Bay is being considered as a “golden spike” location for the Anthropocene epoch, capturing human-induced changes such as nuclear bomb testing, ecosystem shifts, and industrialization.
The bay’s unique characteristics allow for the preservation of diverse anthropogenic markers, offering a precise record of the past century. Its signatures from nuclear tests make it a compelling site. The designation of the Anthropocene serves as a warning for humanity to address the rapid deterioration of the environment.