University of Glasgow Researchers Discover Rapid Formation of Human-Made Rock from Industrial Waste

University of Glasgow Researchers Discover Rapid Formation of Human-Made Rock from Industrial Waste

(IN BRIEF) Researchers from the University of Glasgow have uncovered a shocking new geological phenomenon: industrial waste, specifically slag from steel production, is turning into rock in as little as 35 years, a process that traditionally takes millions of years. This discovery, known as the “rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle,” has major implications for land and coastal management, as well as the future of waste management. The findings challenge traditional geological models and highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices in the face of accelerated human impact on Earth’s natural processes.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 28-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A surprising new discovery on the Cumbrian coastline has provided scientists with an alarming insight into the accelerated effects of human activity on Earth’s natural processes. An aluminium tab from a drinks can encased in a newly formed type of rock has helped reveal a dramatic shift in the way industrial waste, specifically slag, is becoming solidified into rock within decades, not millions of years.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have uncovered that slag, an industrial byproduct of the steel industry, is turning into solid rock in as little as 35 years—a shocking revelation that challenges long-held assumptions about the geological time scale. This discovery unveils a new phenomenon: the “rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle,” where human-made materials undergo accelerated processes that mimic natural rock formation, occurring at a pace much faster than previously thought.

A New Earth Process: The Rapid Anthropoclastic Rock Cycle

The findings, published in Geology, describe how detailed studies of slag deposits along a two-kilometre stretch of the Derwent Howe coastline in West Cumbria, England, revealed that these waste materials, which have accumulated since the industrial era, are being transformed into rock much faster than natural materials. Slag from 19th and 20th-century iron and steel-making activities has been exposed to coastal waves and tides, allowing the material to react with seawater and air, forming natural cements such as calcite, goethite, and brucite. These cements are the same minerals that bond natural sedimentary rocks, but the chemical reactions here occur at an accelerated pace.

Dr. Amanda Owen, the study’s lead author, emphasized, “For centuries, the rock cycle has been understood as a gradual process, taking millions of years. What we’ve found is that industrial waste materials are becoming lithified—turned into rock—within a matter of decades, challenging the way we think about geological formation and highlighting the potential long-term impacts of human activity on the Earth.”

Dating the Rapid Lithification Process

The team’s groundbreaking discovery was further substantiated by the unexpected finding of modern materials embedded in the slag rock, including a 1934 King George V coin and an aluminium tab from a can manufactured after 1989. These items allowed the team to precisely date the rock formation process to just 35 years, a period that spans a single human lifetime. This discovery illustrates how human-made materials are rapidly becoming part of the Earth’s geological record, far quicker than natural processes have ever been documented.

Dr. John MacDonald, co-author of the study, noted, “This finding shows how all the activity we undertake on Earth will eventually leave its mark on the geological record, but at an unprecedented speed. The process we’ve observed is happening right before our eyes and could have significant consequences for how we manage land and resources.”

Implications for Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change Adaptation

The researchers also warned that the rapid formation of rock from industrial waste could have profound implications for coastal ecosystems and land management strategies. As these waste materials are incorporated into natural systems, the rapid appearance of solidified rock could disrupt ecosystems and affect coastal resilience against climate change challenges, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Dr. David Brown, co-author, cautioned, “The quick transformation of slag into rock could significantly alter coastal environments, impacting both marine and terrestrial habitats. This is not accounted for in current models of land management or erosion, which are critical in our efforts to adapt to climate change.”

The study’s findings raise important questions about how we handle industrial waste and its long-term effects on the environment. With the increasing speed of this process, the need for sustainable waste management and proactive planning becomes even more urgent.

Expanding Research and Global Implications

The team is now seeking additional funding to expand their research to other slag deposit sites across Europe to better understand the full scope of this new anthropoclastic rock cycle. This research will deepen our understanding of the environmental impact of industrial waste, and its role in shaping the Earth’s geological processes in the 21st century.

The full study, titled Evidence for a Rapid Anthropoclastic Rock Cycle, is published in Geology and was supported by funding from the Geological Society (London).

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email: media@glasgow.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Glasgow