ICene

ICene is a hypothetical concept that describes a geological epoch characterized by the widespread presence and influence of artificial materials. This period would follow the Holocene and be distinguished by human-made substances such as plastics, concrete, and industrial byproducts becoming integral components of the Earth's geological record. The idea of the ICene suggests that these materials, due to their persistence and scale, will form distinct strata that geologists in the distant future would be able to identify.

The concept is often discussed within the context of the Anthropocene, a proposed epoch that recognizes the significant impact of human activities on Earth's geology and ecosystems. While the Anthropocene focuses on the broader human influence, the ICene specifically emphasizes the physical manifestation of this influence through artificial materials. It prompts consideration of the long-term environmental consequences and the potential for these materials to alter geological processes. Discussions around the ICene also touch upon the challenges of defining precise start dates and boundaries for such an epoch, as the production and dispersal of artificial materials have been gradual and uneven across the globe.