Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Our changing environment: Plastic found inside rocks

09:00
23 March 2023

Our changing environment
Plastic found inside rocks

Settings for external content

Privacy Policy

"Plasticrocks" is the name given by the geologist who found the new geological feature in the paradise island of Trindade.

Despite being one of the most inaccessible and isolated places on the planet, Trinidade Island, located 1200 km off the coast of Brazil, is undergoing devastating, geological changes thanks to humans.

Plastic and microplastic waste carried by sea currents over the years has accumulated along the shores, beaches and reefs of this once pristine island in the Atlantic Ocean, with plastic penetrating the geology of the rocks.

Geologist Fernanda Avelar Santos analysed the plastic in samples from volcanic outcrop. Inside the rocks, the team discovered the intrusion of plastic, amid the mineral components usually found in rocks.

A sobering statement from the Geologist: "We concluded that humans are now geological agents, impacting processes that were previously completely natural, such as rock formation.

This type of plastic waste in rock formations will go into the record as a symbol of the Anthropocene, a concept of a geological era in which humans have an influence on nature."

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Weather warning map of Wales and western Britain showing a yellow thunderstorm alert with lightning symbols, alongside a large warning triangle for lightning.
Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Wales & western England

Thunderstorm watch continues
Split image showing a bright rainbow above a residential street on the left and a dramatic ocean sunrise with glowing clouds and reflections on the sea on the right.
Sunday, 24 May 2026

Your weather - Your shots

From unsettled to warm and toasty
A composite image showing the Temperature Radar and a drinking fountain. The Temperature Radar shows Thursday’s maximum temperatures of up to 37.8 degrees in France, whilst people use a fountain to cool off.
Friday, 29 May 2026

Up to 38 °C in France

Heatwave clocks more record temperatures
All weather news
This might also interest you
Outline of Santa Claus with a yellow and white hat, "Ho-Ho-Ho" next to the outline above a Christmas tree.
Thursday, 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishes from Weather & Radar
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
UK temperature map dated 14.02 showing widespread subzero values in blue shading, with readings such as −4 in Glasgow, −3 in Dublin, and −2 in London, alongside a blue thermometer icon.
Friday, 13 February 2026

Icy conditions

A frozen start to the weekend
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList