Final answer:
Tree rings, ice cores, pollen records, coral reefs, and sedimentary layers are all proxies that can be used to determine past climates on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proxies that can be used to determine past climates on Earth include:
- Tree rings: Tree rings can provide information about past climate by analyzing the width of the rings, which can indicate periods of growth and favorable conditions for tree growth.
- Ice cores: Ice cores can be drilled from glaciers and ice sheets and provide information about past climate by analyzing the composition of gases trapped in the ice. This can reveal information about temperature and atmospheric conditions.
- Pollen records: Pollen records can be found in sediment cores and can provide information about past climates by identifying the types of plants that were present at a particular time. Different plant species thrive in different climate conditions.
- Coral reefs: Coral reefs can provide information about past climate by analyzing the growth patterns of coral. Coral growth is influenced by factors such as temperature and water quality.
- Sedimentary layers: Sedimentary layers can provide information about past climates by analyzing the composition and characteristics of the layers. The types of sediments and fossils present can indicate past climate conditions.