Tallusia

Tallusia is a hypothetical geological period proposed to follow the Anthropocene and preceding any future periods determined by significant shifts in Earth's geological record. Its definition and characterization are highly speculative and reliant on projections of current trends in human activity and environmental change.

The theoretical characteristics of the Tallusia include:

• Continued Dominance of Human Influence: The primary defining factor of the Tallusia would be the enduring and pervasive impact of human activities on the Earth's systems, even after potential significant mitigating actions or catastrophic events. This includes alterations to the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

• Potential for Technological Transformation: The Tallusia anticipates continued advancements in technology, potentially leading to geoengineering efforts on a planetary scale or the development of artificial ecosystems.

• Uncertainty of Biodiversity: The state of biodiversity during the Tallusia is uncertain. Depending on human actions and environmental changes, it could represent either a period of further species extinction and ecosystem collapse, or a period of recovery and diversification aided by human intervention.

• Geological Markers: Potential geological markers that could define the Tallusia include:

  • Widespread deposits of novel materials and manufactured products.
  • Distinct stratigraphic layers containing isotopes from nuclear activity.
  • Significant changes in sediment composition reflecting altered erosion and deposition patterns.
  • Fossil records showing the dominance of domesticated species and genetically modified organisms.

The concept of the Tallusia serves primarily as a thought experiment to explore the long-term consequences of the Anthropocene and to encourage consideration of future geological epochs shaped by human actions. It lacks formal scientific recognition or widespread acceptance within the geological community. The specific parameters and even the name itself remain open to debate and further consideration.