Climate and paleoclimate

Analysis of past and present climate variability using proxies and models to understand feedback mechanisms, variability, critical thresholds and constraints on future climate projections.

Studies of climate and paleoclimate variability focus on analysing the processes that determine fluctuations in the climate system on timescales ranging from years to millennia. Recent climate variability is investigated through observational data and numerical simulations, with particular attention to teleconnection mechanisms and ocean-atmosphere interaction. Palaeoclimate studies use natural proxies, such as ice cores, marine sediments, tree growth rings and speleothem deposits, to reconstruct past climate evolution and identify natural and anthropogenic forcings. The integration of observations, models and geological archives improves our understanding of long-term dynamics, providing a scientific basis for assessing future scenarios and supporting adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Participating in this research at the Department means contributing to cutting-edge research with a strong scientific and social impact.