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Ice cores

Definition

Ice cores are long cylinders of ice drilled from glaciers or polar ice sheets that provide valuable information about past climate conditions. They contain layers that represent different time periods and preserve atmospheric gases trapped within them.

Analogy

Think of ice cores as time capsules made of ice. Each layer represents a different chapter in Earth's history just like pages in a book. By studying these layers, scientists can learn about past climates and environmental changes.

Related terms

Climate proxies: Climate proxies are indirect indicators used to reconstruct past climate conditions when direct measurements were not available. Ice cores serve as one type of climate proxy.

Paleoclimate: Paleoclimate refers to Earth's climate in the distant past before instrumental records were available. Ice cores provide valuable information for studying paleoclimate.

Vostok Station: Vostok Station is a research station located in Antarctica where one of the longest ice cores ever drilled was obtained. It has provided crucial insights into Earth's climate history.