Objectives
Partners at the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies have identified atmospheric and oceanic data or proxy records that can be used to examine climate change in the Canaveral National Seashore and Everglades National Park. Data have been identified to examine the modern (1900 to present), colonial (1564–1900), and pre-colonial periods. Colonial era records include written historical documents, marine observations from sailing vessels, and observations from forts and missions. The pre-colonial period occurs prior to instrumental observation of the atmosphere and ocean so climate records rely on proxy data. Examples of proxy data include lake sediments, corals, ice cores, tree rings, and oral and written histories. In many cases, the proxy data are unlikely to come directly from within the parks, but scientists can use their understanding of modern climate to interpolate proxy data from remote sources to the Canaveral and Everglades regions.
