Paleotemperature refers to the study and reconstruction of past temperatures on Earth, providing insights into climate change and the natural variability of the climate system over geological timescales. It employs various proxies, such as ice cores, tree rings, and sediment layers, to infer temperature changes and understand the factors driving historical climate shifts.

Paleotemperature

Study and reconstruction of past temperatures

Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It results in global warming, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and human societies worldwide.

Climate Change

Natural variability of the climate system

Geological timescales are chronological frameworks used by geologists and paleontologists to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history. They are divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages, providing a structured timeline to understand the evolution of the planet and life over billions of years.

Geological Timescales

Ice cores are cylindrical samples extracted from ice sheets or glaciers that provide valuable climate data by trapping atmospheric gases, particles, and isotopes over time. They are crucial for understanding past climate changes, offering insights into Earth's climate history up to hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Ice Cores

Tree Rings

Sediment Layers

Temperature changes are variations in the thermal state of a system or environment, often driven by factors such as time of day, season, geographical location, and human activities. Understanding these changes is crucial for predicting weather patterns, studying climate change, and managing ecosystems and human health.

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