Climate Modeling

We use computer models of the climate system to understand past variations.

• Steven Hostetler and Jay Alder develop and use global and regional models
• Andreas Schmittner develops and uses global physical-biogeochemical models

Ocean Sediment Analysis

Measurements of samples from the sea floor gives clues to past ocean variations.

• Alan Mix measures isotopes and other paleoceanographic data

Ice Core Analysis

Measurements of samples from ice cores from Antarctica and Greenland yield precise data on past changes in atmospheric composition.

• Ed Brook

Speleothems

Cave deposits provide information on past changes in terrestrial climate.

• Peter Clark and Alan Mix

Glaciology

Glacial deposits on land can be dated to reconstruct past extent and movements of glaciers.

• Peter Clark
  

Paleomagnetism

Changes in Earth’s magnetic field over time can be reconstructed measuring magnetic particles from lake and ocean sediments

• Joe Stoner

Synthesis

We all work collaboratively to synthesize information from the paleoclimate archives with models in order to understand better how the climate system works.