Are climate proxy measurements valuable?

We truly live in a remarkable technologically advanced time for systematic global observation. The refinement of technology only seems to be accelerating, as well. Just think how your phone in your hand has evolved over the last decade! Specific to weather related information, the sophistication and density of data delivered by today’s satellite monitoring of the Earth’s atmosphere, lands, and oceans are impressive to say the least. Such a veritable treasure trove of data offers interdisciplinary scientists the opportunity to either clarify preexisting notions or discover new societal connections to the underlying environment, along with other important natural feedback processes. Exciting!

When we note the totality of the modern satellite record, though, a significant limitation becomes apparent. Records only go back to the 1960s and, as alluded to, today’s measurement capabilities are much more advanced than prior decades. So, it is very promising that expanding satellite data archives will greatly help us track and understand the global weather and climate picture going forward, but what about grasping similar insight into our past? This is where climate proxy measurements step in to help piece together the historical climate record.

The reference to “proxy measurements” in climatology means finding indirect scientific evidence out in the world revealing signs of prior climatic influence. Was it warmer, colder, wetter, or drier? How have these climate variables changed over time? It is a tricky challenge and very much akin to a Sherlock Holmes approach looking for clues to reconstruct climate behavior in the absence of ancient thermometers and rain gauges.

This discussion serves as an introduction that climate proxy measurements have been used and are a critical tool in the toolbox for climatologists attempting to reconstruct Earth’s climate record (as much as feasibly possible of course). You might be surprised what methods can yield valuable climate clues!

Photo Credit: Jonny William Malloy