Podcast
Questions and Answers
How do scientists study ancient climates?
How do scientists study ancient climates?
The width of tree rings helps scientists learn about temperatures and precipitation long ago. Ice cores reveal information about ancient climates as well.
What covered large parts of Earth's surface during the ice age?
What covered large parts of Earth's surface during the ice age?
Glaciers
How many ice ages have there been in the last 2 million years?
How many ice ages have there been in the last 2 million years?
20 ice ages
How long has it been since the last ice age?
How long has it been since the last ice age?
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How did Earth's orbit affect climate change?
How did Earth's orbit affect climate change?
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What natural factors can cause climate change?
What natural factors can cause climate change?
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How do scientists study ancient climates?
How do scientists study ancient climates?
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How can the movements of continents affect climate change?
How can the movements of continents affect climate change?
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What changes occur in Earth's orbit over 100,000 years?
What changes occur in Earth's orbit over 100,000 years?
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What effect do certain substances in the upper atmosphere have on climate?
What effect do certain substances in the upper atmosphere have on climate?
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Study Notes
Studying Ancient Climates
- Tree rings provide insight into historical temperatures and precipitation levels.
- Ice cores serve as valuable records of ancient climate conditions.
- Analyzing pollen found in lake sediments helps determine the types of plants that existed in various historical climates.
Ice Age Overview
- Glaciers dominated large portions of Earth's surface during the ice age.
- There have been 20 ice ages recorded over the last 2 million years.
- It has been approximately 10,000 years since the conclusion of the last ice age.
Earth's Orbital Influence
- Climate change has been influenced by fluctuations in the angle of Earth's axis.
- The elliptical shape of Earth's orbit around the sun alters over time, affecting climate.
Natural Factors Influencing Climate Change
- Major climate shifts can be attributed to the movement of continents, changes in Earth's position relative to the sun, significant volcanic eruptions, and variations in the sun's energy output.
- Continental drift has significantly influenced the arrangement of landmasses and oceans throughout history.
- The shape of Earth's orbital ellipse changes over a cycle of about 100,000 years.
- Substances in the upper atmosphere can reflect some incoming solar radiation, resulting in decreased temperatures on Earth.
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