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This activity accompanies the Science Bulletins documentary Shrinking Glaciers: A Chronology of Climate Change. A printable version is available at the bottom of this page.
Analysis of Earth's geologic record can reveal how the climate has changed over time. Scientists in New Zealand are examining samples from the rocky landscape once dominated by glaciers. They are employing a new technique called surface exposure dating, which uses chemical analysis to determine how long minerals within rocks have been exposed to the air since the glaciers around them melted. Comparisons of this data with other climate records have revealed a link between glacial retreat and rising levels of carbon dioxide in the air, findings that are informing scientists' understanding of global climate change today.
Call on students to explain what they know about glaciers (A glacier is a large body of thick ice that forms over many years. Glaciers flow slowly, transporting rock and earth from the underlying land.). Tell students that in the video they are about to see a team of scientists study the rocks carried by glaciers to determine how the climate has changed over time.
Have students watch the video. Use the following questions to guide a class discussion.
Point out that in the video the scientist says that the relationship between retreating glaciers and CO2 presents very bad news and that we have a very big problem. Discuss with students the possible problems humans would face if glaciers continued to retreat at the current rate.
For those students who want to learn more about glaciers, direct them to two other Science Bulletins features:
For a printable version of this activity, download the file below: