An Introduction to the Holocene and Anthropic Disturbance

The Holocene started about 10,000 years ago at the end of the last glaciation. The last thousand years of this period is marked by the growing impact of human activity (changes in land use and atmospheric composition). At first sight, the numerous data show us variations that are less spectacular than the great upheavals engendered by deglaciation. Nevertheless, the general natural trend, driven by changes in solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere, is characterized by radical changes in the monsoon and the El Nino phenomenon in the tropics. In the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere, the changes are seen in the characteristics of the main modes of variability. Several abrupt events also punctuate the unfolding of the process.