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What Is a Paleoclimatologist? — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned reading passage introduces middle school students to the field of paleoclimatology. Students learn how paleoclimatologists study ancient climates by analyzing natural clues called climate proxies, such as ice cores, tree rings, fossils, and ocean sediments. The passage explains how this information helps us understand long-term changes in Earth’s climate and compare them to modern-day global warming. It supports NGSS standards on Earth's history and systems, encourages critical thinking, and connects scientific careers to real-world climate challenges.

CONTENT PREVIEW

A paleoclimatologist is a scientist who studies Earth’s ancient climates. The word “paleo” means “old,” and “climatologist” refers to someone who studies climate. So, a paleoclimatologist looks at what the climate was like thousands—or even millions—of years ago.

But how can scientists learn about climates from the past? Paleoclimatologists don’t use weather records like we do today. Instead, they use clues from nature, called climate proxies. These clues include ice cores, tree rings, fossils, corals, and even sediment layers from the bottoms of lakes and oceans. For example, the thickness of a tree ring can show if a year was wet or dry. Bubbles trapped in ice can tell us how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) was in the air thousands of years ago.

Studying ancient climates helps scientists understand how Earth’s climate has changed over time. They’ve discovered that the planet has gone through ice ages, warm periods, and many natural cycles. By comparing the past with today’s climate, paleoclimatologists can better understand how human activities, like burning fossil fuels, are now causing faster and more intense warming.

Paleoclimatologists work with other scientists, including geologists, biologists, and atmospheric scientists, to build a full picture of Earth’s climate history. Their research helps improve climate models and predict what might happen in the future.

Understanding Earth’s past helps us prepare for the future. Paleoclimatologists remind us that while climate change has always happened, today’s changes are happening at a much faster rate—and we need to take action.

Fun Fact: The oldest ice core ever drilled is over 800,000 years old, and it still holds tiny bubbles of ancient air!

What does a paleoclimatologist study?

Earthquakes and volcanoesPast climate conditionsOcean wavesMoon phases

What is a “climate proxy”?

A new weather toolA fossil used for fuelA natural clue that shows past climateA person who predicts rainfall

Which of the following is NOT a climate proxy?

Ice coresTree ringsOcean sedimentsSolar panels

Why do paleoclimatologists study ancient climates?

To build rocketsTo understand how Earth’s climate has changedTo grow new kinds of treesTo find gold and silver

What can ice core bubbles tell us?

How tall trees wereWhat kind of animals livedThe amount of carbon dioxide in the air long agoHow much salt was in the ocean

Who might work with a paleoclimatologist?

Music teachersFarmersGeologists and biologistsActors

What is the main idea of the passage?

Paleoclimatologists build weather stationsPaleoclimatologists explore ancient toolsPaleoclimatologists study Earth’s past climates to help us understand today’s changesPaleoclimatologists find animals underground

What makes today’s climate change different from the past?

It’s moving more slowlyIt is only happening in the ArcticIt is mostly caused by human activity and happening fasterIt is colder than usual