How Do Ice Cores of Glaciers Tell Us about Past Climates?
ES2105  Time Machines Into the Past

Research scientists from around the world are working together to collect and study glacial ice cores. Data from these ice cores provide one of the most complete records of past climate conditions. Of greatest interest are the deep cores obtained by drilling programs in Summit, Greenland and Vostok, Antarctica.

Todd Sowers, LDEO – Columbia University
Vostok ice core drilling site, Antarctica.

The Vostok ice core provides the longest continuous record of Antarctic climatic history. Analysis of the core has been completed to a depth of 3350 meters, representing approximately 440,000 years of climate history. 



	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
		 	 Step:
		 		
		           
			     
				   1
					
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 2 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 3 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 4 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 5 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 6 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 7 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 8 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    
						
	                 	
						 9 
						
		           
			     
				    
				    	
						 10