paleoclimate science

Paleoclimate science studies past climates to understand how Earth's climate has changed over thousands or millions of years. Scientists examine natural records like ice cores, tree rings, sediments, and fossils to reconstruct past temperatures, precipitation, and atmospheric composition. This helps us identify natural climate variations and underlying processes, providing context for current climate changes. By understanding historical climate patterns, paleoclimate science informs predictions of future climate behavior and guides strategies for adaptation and mitigation, making it essential for comprehending both Earth's climate history and its future trajectory.