palaeoclimatology The study of past climates from the traces left behind in the geologic record. It is assumed that the uniformitarian principle has obtained, but this may not be the case, and the geologic data are always insufficient for palaeoclimatological purposes. Dating methods and palaeogeographic reconstructions are suspect, and often fossil faunas and floras cannot be related easily in terms of time. Most glacial strata can be dated only within wide limits and many climatic criteria leave no mark in the rocks.

palaeoclimatology The study of past climates from fossils and traces left in the geologic record. See beetle analysis; leaf physiognomy; palaeoclimatic indicator; pollen analysis; and varve.

palaeoclimatic indicator One of the sources from which evidence concerning past climates can be obtained. Such indicators include glacial, periglacial, and pluvial deposits, which provide morphological information related to climate and cave deposits, dunes, and dunefields, which yield lithologic information. Plants (including pollen; see also leaf physiognomy), molluscs, foraminifera, beetles (see beetle analysis), and ostracods are among the organisms that have been used to derive biotic information.

palaeoclimatic indicator One of the sources from which evidence concerning past climates can be obtained. For example, glacial, periglacial, and pluvial deposits provide morphological information related to climate; cave deposits, dunes, and dune-fields yield lithologic information; and plants (including pollen), molluscs (Mollusca), foraminifera (Foraminiferida), beetles, and ostracods (Ostracoda) are among the organisms that have been used to derive biotic information.

palaeoclimatology The study of climates of earlier geological periods. This is based largely on the study of sediments that were laid down during these periods and of fossils. The changes in the positions of the continents as a result of continental drift and plate tectonics complicate the study.