paleoclimatology

/ˌpeɪlioʊˌklaɪməˈtɑlədʒi/
noun
  1. The study of ancient climates using evidence from ice cores, tree rings, sediments, and fossils.
    • Paleoclimatology shows that Earth's climate has changed many times before humans existed.
    • Understanding paleoclimatology helps us predict future climate patterns.
    • Scientists in paleoclimatology analyze ice cores to learn about past temperatures.