01-15-2011, 06:37 AM
A new article published in Science has studied tree rings to judge climate change over the past 2500 years in Central Europe. According to the abstract:
In an article on the BBC the researchers say:
I see the researchers are very careful about causality, meaning they didn't come right out and say climate change caused the fall of Rome, which is probably a sign of careful, serious science.
What do you think? I'm hesitant, but would like to learn more.
Quote:Wet and warm summers occurred during periods of Roman and medieval prosperity. Increased climate variability from ~AD 250 to 600 coincided with the demise of the Western Roman Empire and the turmoil of the Migration Period.
In an article on the BBC the researchers say:
Quote:Distinct drying in the 3rd Century paralleled a period of serious crisis in the western Roman empire marked by barbarian invasion, political turmoil and economic dislocation in several provinces of Gaul.
I see the researchers are very careful about causality, meaning they didn't come right out and say climate change caused the fall of Rome, which is probably a sign of careful, serious science.
What do you think? I'm hesitant, but would like to learn more.
David J. Cord
www.davidcord.com
www.davidcord.com