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How do we learn about ancient climates?. Studying paleo -climates helps scientists determine climate has changed over time naturally Why climate has changed in the past The Results… Earth’s climate fluctuates naturally for many reasons. What do climatologists study?.
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How do we learn about ancient climates? • Studying paleo-climates helps scientists determine • climate has changed over time naturally • Why climate has changed in the past • The Results… • Earth’s climate fluctuates naturally for many reasons
What do climatologists study? • Tree rings or “Dendrochronology” • 500-1000 years in the past • Precipitation changes
What do climatologists study? • Ice Cores • Glaciers and polar ice (500,000 yrs) • New snow layer every year ice • Bubbles trapped in ice can reveal composition of anicent atmosphere • Ash volcanoes • Dust drought
What do climatologists study? • Sediment • Lake/ocean • Clay Chemistry • CO2 concentration as a function of aquatic life (plankton)
What do climatologists study? • Fossil Record • Ancient life reveals climate clues • Reptiles don’t like cold weather • Marine fossils reveal ancient oceans
Studying Climate Videos • PETM Boundary: http://vimeo.com/53685205 • Ice Cores in Peru: http://vimeo.com/53685203 • Studying Paleoclimate: http://vimeo.com/53685207
Today’s Lab • Part 1- Tree Rings • Part 2- Ice Cores