Accession Number:

AD0744129

Title:

Historical Climatology

Descriptive Note:

Semi-annual technical rept.

Corporate Author:

R AND D ASSOCIATES MARINA DEL REY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Libby, Leona M.

Report Date:

1972-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

The research program in Historical Climatology has the general purpose to show feasibility of determining global climate in the past, by determining past trends in surface temperature of the earth. The method being studied involves measuring past temperatures using isotope thermometers in bio-organic data bases. For example, isotope ratios in tree rings being formed are expected to change if the temperature changes so that tree rings formed long ago may exhibit different ratios than those being formed today. Lower limits on the temperature co-efficients have been computed, and compared favorably with experimental coefficients. New measurements of these coefficients have been undertaken. Feasibility of measurement of the isotope ratio by neutron activation for oxygen is under study, as an independent check on measurement by mass spectroscopy.

Descriptors:

• *CLIMATE
• *GEOCHEMISTRY
• CARBON
• HYDROGEN
• ISOTOPE AVAILABILITY
• ORGANIC MATERIALS
• OXYGEN
• TEMPERATURE
• TREES

Subject Categories:

• Meteorology
• Geology, Geochemistry and Mineralogy

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE