Can stalagmites hidden in Angolan caves predict the future of our rainfall?

Decoding Climate from the Caves of Angola · 7:50 · Video: American Museum of Natural History · Watch at the source

In short: Scientists are exploring caves in Angola to analyze stalagmite layers. By decoding these geological records, researchers aim to understand historical climate patterns to better predict future rainfall and drought cycles in the region.

The Constantine S. Niarchos Expedition, supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, takes researchers Nathalie Goodkin and Nikita Kaushal deep underground. By sampling stalagmites, the team extracts data stored within the mineral layers that have accumulated over time.

These cave formations act as natural archives, preserving evidence of past environmental conditions. Studying these layers provides essential context for climate modeling, helping scientists anticipate how precipitation shifts might impact Angola in the coming years.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-decoding-climate-from-the-caves-of-angola.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…