ClimateAugust 13, 2026

palaeoclimatic

PAY-lee-oh-kly-MAT-ik

Definition

Relating to the study of ancient climates and the historical conditions of the Earth's atmosphere and environment.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'palaios' (ancient) and the Greek 'klima' (region or climate). It entered English to describe the scientific field concerned with the climates of the geological past.

In the news

The word is used to describe the evidence researchers gathered from fossilized bones to reconstruct the ancient environmental conditions of Antarctica. It highlights the role of fossils as data points for understanding long-term climate evolution.

Ancient Penguin Fossils Offer New Window Into Antarctica's Changing Climate | Newswise

Read the full article ↗

Newswise

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