I WONDER - Can Polar Ice Caps Tell Us Anything About History?

Ice cores are valuable for studying Earth's climate history. They contain layers of snow and ice that have trapped air bubbles over millennia, providing insights into past temperatures, greenhouse gas levels, and ecosystems. This data helps scientists understand natural climate variations and the effects of human activities on the planet.

What do ice cores primarily consist of?

• Layers of water and mud

• Layers of rock and soil

• Layers of snow and ice

• Layers of sand and gravel

What kind of information can be obtained from the air bubbles trapped in ice cores?

• Past solar activity

• Past volcanic eruptions

• Past temperatures and greenhouse gas levels

• Past ocean currents

Which of the following can be found in ice cores that helps reveal past ecosystems?

• Ancient tree rings

• Dinosaur remains

• Pollen and microscopic particles

• Fossilized bones

How do ice cores help us understand Earth's climate?

• By predicting future weather patterns

• By providing data on natural climate variations

• By mapping ocean currents

• By showing the effects of solar flares

What is one impact of human activities on Earth's climate that can be studied through ice cores?

• Decreased volcanic activity

• Altered solar radiation

• Increased greenhouse gas levels

• Changes in ocean salinity