CO2 in the Ice Core Record

Geoff Haines-Stiles Productions, Earth: The Operators' Manual

This video segment, from the 'Earth: The Operators' Manual' featuring climate expert Richard Alley, shows how ice cores stored at the National Ice Core Lab provide evidence that ancient ice contains records of Earth's past climate - specifically carbon dioxide and temperature.

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This segment is part of a series of videos that aired in 2011 and were hosted by Richard Alley, a contributor to the United Nations panel on climate change. This segment is 1 of 5 in the series. Can be used in conjunction with other CLEAN selected ice core activities: [http://cleanet.org/clean/educational_resources/index.html?search_text=ice+core&Search=search]
Studying ice cores at the National Ice Core Lab demonstrates how ancient ice contains records of Earth's past climate. Ice core analysis has indicated that levels of carbon dioxide have risen and fallen over the past 400,000 years. Today CO2 levels are rising 2 parts per million (ppm) per year, more than 100 ppm above pre-industrial levels. The congruency between temperature and CO2 levels over the past 400,000 years is illustrated and discussed. Comments from expert scientist: The material is presented by a noted expert in the field, Richard Alley. Very strong scientifically but without references for the records shown.
An annotated script, learning objectives, vocabulary, and teacher tips are provided. Students will understand that ice cores contain climate indicators, examine the historical relationship between temperature and CO2 levels, understand that climate patterns cycle naturally, and will learn that current CO2 levels far exceed any in recorded human history.