Paleoclimatology
The scientific study of Earth's past climate conditions across geologic history using indirect environmental proxy records.
Governing formula
Climate Proxies: Ice Cores, Tree Rings, Coral δ¹⁸O, Speleothems
SI unit
Geologic Climate History
In depth
Uses physical proxies (ice cores, sediment cores, tree rings, fossilized pollen, speleothems) to reconstruct historical temperature, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, and sea level before instrument records existed.
Examples in the real world
Reconstructing global surface temperatures back 66 million years using benthic foraminifera oxygen isotope ratios.