Jakarta (ANTARA) - Recent paleoclimatology studies conducted by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia reveal significant insights into historical climate changes, which could inform our understanding of current and future climate impacts.
According to Marfasran Hendrizan, a researcher at the Center for Climate and Atmospheric Research (PRIMA), paleoclimatology provides long-term data that fills gaps left by modern observational data. The research indicates that Indonesia experienced a temperature increase of up to 3 degrees Celsius over a prolonged period of approximately 7,000 years in the past.
In stark contrast, projections suggest that similar temperature rises could occur in less than a century due to current climate trends. Indonesia, situated in the tropics and part of the 'Indo-Pacific warm pool,' is characterized by high convective activity and substantial rainfall, although data coverage remains limited.
Past climate conditions indicate variations in temperature, CO2 levels, and sea level rise. These parameters, alongside temporal calculations, are used to reconstruct ancient climates. Foraminifera, marine plankton with calcareous shells, serve as key samples for studying historical temperature conditions.
Hendrizan explains that foraminifera capture climate signals such as temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, and pH during their life cycle. These signals are preserved in their shells, providing a long-lasting climate archive once they are buried.
The magnesium-to-calcium ratio found in foraminifera shells correlates positively with temperature, suggesting that higher ratios indicate elevated temperatures. This data indicates that Indonesia experienced significant historical temperature increases, underscoring the urgency of addressing contemporary climate challenges.