Denudation and geomorphic change in the Anthropocene; a global overview.

The effects of human activity on geomorphic processes, particularly those related to denudation/sedimentation, are investigated by reviewing case studies and global assessments covering the past few centuries. Evidence we have assembled from different parts world, as well literature, show that certain processes experiencing an acceleration, especially since mid-twentieth century. This suggests a change is taking place, largely caused anthropogenic landscape changes. Direct human-driven denudation (through activities involving excavation, transport, accumulation geological materials) has increased factor 30 between 1950 2015, representing ten-fold increase per capita effect. plus indirectly human-induced (triggered land surface alteration) presently at least one order magnitude greater than due purely natural processes. slope movements, which represent important contribution denudation, sediment generation evolution, also shows clear intensification. Frequency hazardous events disasters movements (an indirect measure process frequency) in specific regions, continental levels, grown considerably, particular after Intense rainstorm often movement occurrence, but general increasing trend observed not satisfactorily explained climate. Sedimentation augmented considerably most regions all kinds sedimentation environments. Although link direct unequivocal, it safe assume if rates during given period, must too, even though their magnitudes could be different. augmentation, marked second half last century onwards, appears determined mainly changes, conjunction with climate change. changes suggest: a) there evidence scale growing response systems socio-economic drivers, being Gross Domestic Product density, good indicator potential cause such impacts; b) Land use/cover enhance denudation/sedimentation landslide/flood frequency, appear stronger controlling factor; c) Our findings point existence manifestation evident “great acceleration” began middle 20th century, constitutes characteristics proposed Anthropocene.