Evidence of past climate change

• Over how many years has the world's climate been changing?

  1,800 years
• What are the two types of evidence for past climate change mentioned?

  Ice cores and tree rings
• What do ice cores show us about past climates?

  They trap air bubbles from the atmosphere
• What is a disadvantage of using ice cores as evidence?

  They provide a long-term but less detailed view
• How do tree rings indicate past weather conditions?

  Wider rings indicate better growing conditions
• What can be inferred if a tree has wider rings?

  The tree experienced favorable weather conditions
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using ice cores and tree rings as evidence for climate change?

  Ice Cores:

  • Advantages: Traps air bubbles, shows atmospheric composition
  • Disadvantages: Long-term view, less detailed

  
  

  Tree Rings:

  • Advantages: Reflects annual growth conditions
  • Disadvantages: Influenced by various environmental factors
• What do tree rings represent in terms of growth conditions?

  Weather conditions during the growing season
• What does the presence of air bubbles in ice cores indicate?

  Atmospheric conditions at the time of formation
• How can tree rings be measured to assess climate conditions?

  By examining the width of the rings