In general, the paleoclimate is studied through the use of some isotopes of elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, beryllium and carbon, obtained by coring within the ice sheet.

These isotopes are directly related to some variables intrinsic to the Earth's climate system and in particular the variations in these isotopes are often linked to fluctuations in the climate system.

For example, by studying the reconstruction of isotopes such as carbon or oxygen is possible to determine the evolution of the tropospheric temperature in the various geological eras.

An increase of the oxygen concentration is directly related to an increase of the temperature, by means of a complex mechanism of evaporation / condensation of the ocean-atmosphere system.

By studying the relative concentration of 13C/12C, in relation to the photosynthetic fixation of the primary, it will be possible to reconstruct with good approximation the biological evolution. A relative increase of 12C against 13C (negative excursion of the report) indicates a period of low photosynthetic activity, resulting in a biological crisis, often linked to a drop in temperature (global or regional). If the weather is cold, it decreases the photosynthetic activity of primary fixation, resulting in a relative increase of 12C, which is no longer absorbed in significant amounts. Conversely, if the 13C increases in relation to 12C, it means that there is located opposite to a period of biological growth, indicated by the considerable plant photosynthetic activity.

In a recent paper (" Natural periodicities and north-south hemispheres connection of fast temperature changes during the last glacial period: EPICA and NGRIP revisited", T. Alberti et al., Climate of the Past Discussion, DOI:10.5194/cpd-10-1129-2014) I studied two paleoclimate records related to variations in the oxygen isotope 18 in two different sites, the North Pole and the South Pole In particular, my work is based on the recognition of any periodicity inherent to the climate system such as Dansgaard-Oeschger events or alternating between stadial and interstadial stages.

Thank very much for your precise answer, and I would add your paper in my reference list

Paleoclimate research based on isotopic analyses related to local conditions

For example in the high lands that the clouds formed in high level may be the rainfall had been influenced by lighter isotope such as o16 and you found the o16 in your filed and it will be complex your result, so it’s better to consider the local conditions as the firth step, than you can refer to the global isotope index and other factors for interpration

I generally agree with Alberti and Hosseini. A key depends on materials. That means it is important for environments the calcite carbonates form. By C-O isotope values, paleoclimatic Interpretations may be quite different for carbontate from neritic, (semi-) pelagic, lake, swamp, paleosol. There are many published papers to refer.

Hi there,

I believe that this link could provide one with interesting answers on palaeoclimate reconstruction.

https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/proxies/paleoclimate.html

Hope everyone interested would find it interesting.

Cheers...

Paleoclimate can be interpreted using carbon and oxygen stable isotope data, which can provide insights into past climate conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The interpretation of these isotopes requires an understanding of the processes that control their distribution in the environment. Carbon isotopes (δ13C) are useful for reconstructing past changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and the carbon cycle. This is because plants discriminate against the heavier 13C isotope during photosynthesis, resulting in a lower δ13C value in plant tissues relative to atmospheric CO2. As a result, the δ13C value of organic matter preserved in sedimentary rocks can be used to infer changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations over time. Additionally, δ13C values can also be used to reconstruct changes in the carbon cycle, such as variations in the balance between organic carbon burial and weathering. Oxygen isotopes (δ18O) are useful for reconstructing past changes in temperature and precipitation. This is because the ratio of 18O to 16O in precipitation varies with temperature and moisture source. For example, when temperatures are colder, more 16O is preferentially evaporated from ocean water and incorporated into precipitation, leading to a higher δ18O value. Conversely, when temperatures are warmer, less 16O is evaporated and incorporated into precipitation, leading to a lower δ18O value. By analyzing the δ18O values of materials such as ice cores or fossil shells, researchers can reconstruct past changes in temperature and precipitation. To interpret paleoclimate using carbon and oxygen stable isotope data, researchers typically analyze samples from sedimentary rocks or other materials that have been dated using methods such as radiometric dating. They then compare the isotopic composition of these samples to modern environmental samples to establish a baseline for interpreting past climate conditions. In summary, carbon and oxygen stable isotopes provide valuable information for interpreting paleoclimate, including changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, the carbon cycle, temperature, and precipitation. Reference Publications or URLs: 1. Zachos, J. C., Pagani, M., Sloan, L. C., Thomas, E., & Billups, K. (2001). Trends, rhythms, and aberrations in global climate 65 Ma to present. Science, 292(5517), 686-693. 2. Lohmann, K. C., & Weinelt, M. (2010). Intermediate water variability in the North Atlantic during marine isotope stage 11: A high-resolution alkenone palaeobarometer record from the eastern subtropical Atlantic. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 292(1-2), 29-37. 3. Bowen, G. J., & Wilkinson, B. (2002). Spatial distribution of δ18O in meteoric precipitation. Geology, 30(4), 315-318.