Topic 4 - Peat Bogs & Dendochronlogy

Question 1

How can tree cores (dendochronology) provide evidence for climate change?

Answer 1

▪︎ Each tree ring represents a year
▪︎ Thinner rings = Colder, Thicker rings = warmer
▪︎ Because a warmer climate provides better conditions for growth
▪︎ If tree rings appear to be getting thicker each year, this is evidence that the climate is becoming warmer

Question 2

Explain how pollen preserved in peat bogs can be used to show what the climate was like in the past

Answer 2

▪︎ Pollen is preserved in peat bogs in layers
▪︎ Pollen in different layers can be used to identify plant species which were present at different time periods, with the pollen in lower layers being older
▪︎ Scientists know the preferred climate of these plants
▪︎ So the climate must’ve been similar to the plant’s preffered climate at that time