proxy data

Proxy data refers to indirect measurements or indicators used to estimate or infer information about something that cannot be directly measured. For example, tree rings can serve as proxy data for historical climate conditions—wider rings suggest favorable growth years, while narrower rings indicate harsher conditions. In general, proxy data helps scientists and researchers gain insights about past events or conditions, such as temperature changes or environmental shifts, by relying on observable and measurable phenomena that correlate with the data of interest. This approach is essential in fields where direct measurements are impossible or impractical.