Introduction

Climate System

Causes of Climate Change

Empirical Study of Climate

Climate Modelling

Palaeoclimatic Change

Contemporary Climate Change

Epilogue
Appendix
References

Periglacial features are morphological features which are associated with continuous (permafrost) or discontinuous (diurnal or seasonal freezing) periods of sub-zero temperatures. Such features on which palaeoclimatic inferences can be based include: fossil ice wedges; pingos; sorted polygons; stone stripes; and periglacial involutions. Detailed descriptions of these features may be found in Washburn (1979). Unfortunately, palaeoclimate reconstructions based on such phenomena are subject to a fair degree of uncertainty. First, the occurrence of periglacial activity during the past can only indicate an upper limit on palaeotemperatures, not a lower one (Williams, R.B.G., 1975). Second, periglacial features are generally difficult to date accurately; dating of the sediments with which they are associated provides only a maximum age estimate.

Instrumental Data
 -Climate Elements
  ·Temperature
  ·Rainfall
  ·Humidity
  ·Wind
 -Homogeneity
 -Statistical Analysis

Proxy Data
 -Historical Records
 -Ice Cores
  ·Stable Isotopes
  ·Characteristics
  ·Dating
 -Dendroclimatology
 -Ocean Sediments
  ·Biogenic Material
  ·Terrigenous Matter
 -Land Sediments
  ·Periglacial
  ·Glaciers
  ·Lake Levels
 -Pollen Analysis
 -Sedimentary Rocks