April 26, 2024, 11:30 pm

Ancient Lake Reveals Secrets of Past Climate

A new study published in the journal Science has revealed new insights into the climate of Earth's past, thanks to an ancient lake that existed in the southwestern United States during the Pleistocene epoch. The lake, known as Lake Manly, was once the largest lake in North America, covering an area of over 20,000 square miles.

The study's authors used sediment cores from Lake Manly to reconstruct the lake's history over the past 150,000 years. They found that the lake's level fluctuated dramatically during this time, with periods of high water alternating with periods of drought.

The researchers believe that these fluctuations were caused by changes in the Earth's climate. During periods of high water, the climate was wetter, with more rainfall and less evaporation. During periods of drought, the climate was drier, with less rainfall and more evaporation.

The study's findings have important implications for understanding the climate of Earth's future. The researchers believe that the fluctuations in Lake Manly's level provide a glimpse into how the Earth's climate system may respond to future changes in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

According to lead author Dr. Jessica Tierney, "The sediment cores from Lake Manly provide a unique window into the past climate of Earth. By studying these cores, we can learn how the Earth's climate has changed in the past, and how it may change in the future."

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).