Fitting the facts
By comparing past climate models with weather records and evidence like tree rings and ice cores, scientists get an idea of how realistic their simulations are.
'Our models are in good agreement with what the field scientists are telling us, so we're confident that they're providing a reasonably accurate picture.' Jason Lowe, Hadley Centre, Met. Office
But the models aren't perfect. Experts admit that they can't yet fully describe the Earth's complex climate system.
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Tree rings can tell us what climate was like centuries ago
Image: Paul James |
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