Stratigraphy is the branch of geology concerned with the order and relative position of strata and their relationship to the geological time scale. As it relates to humans, as a sum total of all human activity, they are quite a driving force for changing the landscape of the earth in their surroundings. When future humans uncover modern remnants of urban structures, they will have a glimpse into what society looked like. Urban centers often receive the most of our resources as gigantic structures and underground labyrinths of public transit tunnels, sewage systems, and utility services show priorities of the humans in these areas. More rural areas will be sparse in their remnants, but will also show how placial homes and division of lands will have been of importance, as compared to the dense construction and concentration of living quarters in these urban centers. Even though modern policymakers do not often consider what future humans will think of their action at the same level of current constituencies, it is often just as important. The decisions to use resources will have effects that will outlive the individuals who made that decision. These remnants will be seen in generations beyond modern humans, and even if the reasoning is recorded, the clues of priorities in using public resources will be left in the construction itself.
PDFPDFStay tuned for news on sustainable development, environment and climate change, international trade and human rights, Chinese issues and much more!
