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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Quantifying anthropogenic modification of the shallow geosphere in central London, UK

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Author(s):
Terrington, R. L. [1] ; Silva, E. C. N. [2] ; Waters, C. N. [3, 1] ; Smith, H. [1] ; Thorpe, S. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] British Geol Survey, Environm Sci Ctr, Keyworth NG12 5GG, Notts - England
[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Fac Sci & Technol FCT, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Leicester, Sch Geog Geol & Environm, Leicester LE1 7RH, Leics - England
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Geomorphology; v. 319, p. 15-34, OCT 15 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The veneer of artificial (anthropogenic) deposits present beneath contemporary cities is commonly markedly heterogeneous, particularly in cities such as London with a history of two millennia of development. To what extent can the analysis of borehole data, historical land use maps and digital terrain models provide adequate assessment of such heterogeneity? Two adjacent London boroughs, City of London and Tower Hamlets, are selected because of their contrasting historical development and current land use. Statistical comparison of the variations in deposit thickness is related to the natural Holocene topography, underlying geological deposits (non-anthropogenic deposits) and heights of overlying buildings. Estimates of the volume (similar to 67 million m(3)) and mass (similar to 100 million tonnes) of the deposits and additional volume (similar to 359 million m(3)) and mass (similar to 25 million tonnes) of buildings provides indication of additional loading that may cause local compaction or regional subsidence, a concern during a time of rising global sea level. Extrapolated across Greater London, the mass of anthropogenic deposits is estimated at similar to 6 billion tonnes. Assessment of the compositional variations within the artificial deposits provides an approximation of accumulation rates post-World War II. A potential event horizon, coincident with the early 1940s Blitz, could not be demonstrated as an extensive marker, but distinct lithological compositions for post-World War II strata are broadly coincident with the globally resolved signals marking the start of the Anthropocene Epoch. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/15449-9 - Understanding and visualization of artificial ground in the city of London, greater London, England
Grantee:Érika Cristina Nesta Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate