Culture, Climate Science & Education

Lab Ten

Paleoclimatology: What a Geologic Timeline Tells Us About How the Climate has Changed Over the Last 715 Million Years
Author: Environmental Literacy and Inquiry Working Group at Lehigh University

In this learning activity, you will use a Web-based Geologic Timeline to understand how the climate has changed in the last 715 million years. Nine distinct time periods are displayed on the timeline ranging from the present day to 715 million years ago. You will examine and interpret global temperature, CO2 concentration, and ice cover data to infer what the global climate was like during specific time periods and relate this evidence to the current global warming discussion.

Before you start, answer the following question: How much do you think the average annual global temperature and CO2 levels have fluctuated throughout the history of the Earth?

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© 2018 SKC | Contact Us