sediment core

A sediment core is a long, cylindrical sample collected from the bottom of a body of water, like a lake or ocean. It contains layers of sediments—tiny particles such as soil, organic matter, and minerals—that settle over time. By examining these layers, scientists can learn about historical climate changes, ecological shifts, and geological events. The deeper the layer, the older it typically is, allowing researchers to reconstruct past environmental conditions and understand how ecosystems and climates have evolved over hundreds or thousands of years.