Is there an isotopic signature of the anthropocene?

Dean, Jonathan R.; Leng, Melanie J; Mackay, Anson W

Abstract

We consider whether the Anthropocene is recorded in the isotope geochemistry of the atmosphere, sediments, plants and ice cores, and the time frame during which any changes are recorded, presenting examples from the literature. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios have become more depleted since the 19th century, with the rate of change accelerating after ~ad 1950, linked to increased emissions from fossil fuel consumption and increased production of fertiliser. Lead isotope ratios demonstrate human pollution histories several millennia into the past, while sulphur isotopes can be used to trace the sources of acid rain. Radioisotopes have been detectable across the planet since the 1950s because of atmospheric nuclear bomb tests and can be used as a stratigraphic marker. We find there is isotopic evidence of widespread human impact on the global environment, but different isotopes have registered changes at different times and at different rates.

Citation

Dean, J. R., Leng, M. J., & Mackay, A. W. (2014). Is there an isotopic signature of the anthropocene?. Anthropocene Review, 1(3), 276-287. https://doi.org/10.1177/2053019614541631

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Jul 15, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Deposit Date: Feb 22, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 31, 2020
• Journal: Anthropocene Review
• Print ISSN: 2053-0196
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 276-287
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2053019614541631
• Keywords: Anthropocene; Carbon; Human impact; Isotopes; Lead; Nitrogen; Radioisotopes; Suess effect; Sulphur
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3444401
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2053019614541631
• Related Public URLs: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1456641/