Unit 1A-Climate Change

Question 1

What is the quaternary period?

Answer 1

The most recent geological time period, spanning from about 2.6 million years ago to the present day.

Question 2

How can ice cores show the climate change over time?

Answer 2

By analysing the gases trapped in the layers of ice, scientists can tell what the temperature was each year.

Question 3

How can temperature records be used to work out the climate change over time?

Answer 3

Global temperatures have been measured, accurately using thermometers. Historical records can also be used.

Question 4

How can pollen analysis be used to work out the climate change over time?

Answer 4

Scientists can identify and date preserved pollen to show which species were living at that time.

Question 5

How can tree rings be used to work out climate change over time?

Answer 5

The thickness of each ring shows what the climate was like – the tree rings are thicker in warm, wet conditions.