Understanding the Anthropocene requires delving into its origins and fundamental concept. Deriving from the Greek words "anthropos," meaning human, and "cene," referring to new, Anthropocene conceptualizes a new geologic epoch occurring in the wake of the Holocene, marked significantly by human influence. Its first mention surfaced in independent conversations between scientists Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer in the late 80s, underscoring human activities that precipitated drastic environmental changes.

However, determining a new epoch isn't a decision made lightly in geological circles. For a new geological time division to be defined, such as the Anthropocene, it must meet certain criteria. These are concretely recorded in the earth's stratigraphy, the study of rock layers and layering, with discernable markers or impacts that differentiate it from previous epochs. Evidences like varying concentrations of chemicals or isotopes, sharp biological changes such as mass extinctions, or unique sediment characteristics all signal critical shifts in the planetary history.

The Anthropocene, while widely accepted within some scientific communities, continues to engender considerable debate over its formalization, particularly regarding its onset. There are two broad viewpoints: the "early Anthropocene" concept, asserting the era's advent with the dawn of agriculture around 8000 years ago due to the alterations that early farming inflicted on landscapes and ecosystems. The contrasting opinion, termed as the "great acceleration," places the Anthropocene's commencement in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution's significant surge in human population, resource consumption, and technological innovation.

Another noteworthy contender for marking the Anthropocene’s start is the inception of nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s, with radioactive footprints detectable in the earth's geological record as "bomb spike". Regardless of differing start date beliefs, they all underpin a universal acknowledgement of the substantial, ineradicable human imprint on the earth's geological and ecological systems, forming the cornerstone of the Anthropocene hypothesis.

The Anthropocene epoch encapsulates human omnipresence and dominance throughout the planet, shaping it in unprecedented ways. The determination of its inception, while subject to ongoing discussion, crystallizes our understanding of how the profound human effect transcends geographical and chronological boundaries, opening a new chapter in Earth's deep history. As we further delve into the intricacies of the Anthropocene in ensuing topics, the realization of humanity’s profound impact on the planet becomes more prominent and the urgent need for a more sustainable interaction with the natural world becomes vividly apparent.