The provided text discusses a scientific project involving an Antarctic ice core that aims to unlock insights into Earth’s climate evolution. Here’s a breakdown of the key facts:
Project Goal:
To understand Earth’s climate evolution, specifically focusing on:
Greenhouse gas concentrations
Atmospheric temperatures
Wind patterns
Sea ice extent
Key Scientific Question:
Why did Earth’s glacial-interglacial cycles shift from a 41,000-year cycle to a 100,000-year cycle approximately one million years ago?
Significance of the Research:
Provides context for predicting future climate responses to rising greenhouse gas levels.
Aims to understand a period before one million years ago when ice sheets were potentially smaller,sea levels higher,and CO2 levels similar to today.
Will shed light on the link between atmospheric CO2 and climate during a previously uncharted period.
Methodology:
Ice cores will be analyzed over the coming years at BAS and other European laboratories. Analysis will involve examining trapped air bubbles within the ice using a process called Continuous Flow Analysis as the ice is slowly melted.
Project Details:
Funding: European Commission
Involvement: 12 institutions across 10 european countries (Beyond EPICA project).
Related Information:
A related article mentions Australian scientists analyzing the first samples from a “Million Year Ice Core” project.
In essence, scientists are using ancient ice to reconstruct past climate conditions to better understand long-term climate cycles and inform predictions about future climate change.
