New York City Scientists Are Exploring History Through Tree Rings

The video explores the significance of tree ring research in understanding historical climate data. Scientists from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory collect timber samples from old buildings to analyze tree rings, which serve as barcodes of growth. These rings reveal past climate conditions, such as precipitation and temperature variations. The research highlights the impact of historical deforestation, particularly of longleaf pine forests. The tree ring lab continues to collect samples globally, aiming to understand past climate changes and predict future trends. This research is crucial for comprehending the extent of climate change today.

What challenges do scientists face when collecting tree ring samples?

In what ways do the findings from tree rings contribute to our understanding of climate change?