How the University of Arizona Is Decoding Earth’s Hidden Climate Stories, For more than 80 years, the University of Arizona (UArizona) has been at the heart of global climate research. Its Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research has helped scientists uncover the secrets of past climates from forests around the world.
Now, UArizona researchers are taking this science beneath the waves — using seashells, corals, and fish bones to trace centuries of ocean history.
Turning Tree-Ring Science Into Ocean Clues
Every tree holds a record of its life in the form of rings. By studying those rings, scientists can tell when it grew fast, when droughts hit, and even when volcanic eruptions cooled the planet.
But what if oceans kept a record too? That’s the question driving Dr. Bryan Black and his team at UArizona. They’ve discovered that marine life — like corals and certain shellfish — also form “rings” as they grow, each one reflecting the temperature and chemistry of the water at that time.
“We’ve spent decades reading the rings of trees,” says Dr. Black. “Now, we’re learning to read the rings of the sea.”
Why the Ocean’s Memory Matters
Oceans are Earth’s climate engine. They absorb more than 90% of the planet’s excess heat, shape weather patterns, and influence ecosystems across continents. Yet, direct ocean data only goes back a few decades.
By studying these marine “rings,” UArizona scientists can recreate ocean conditions stretching back hundreds of years. This helps researchers:
- Understand how ocean temperatures have changed over centuries.
- Track long-term patterns like El Niño and La Niña.
- Improve climate models used for forecasting and planning.
Science That Crosses Boundaries
This project brings together oceanographers, biologists, and climate modelers — all working toward a single goal: understanding how land and sea interact in a changing world. Using advanced isotope analysis and AI-based modeling, the team can detect subtle shifts in ocean chemistry invisible to the naked eye.
“By combining traditional tree-ring science with modern data tools, we can see Earth’s story with more clarity than ever,” says Dr. Black.
Opportunities for Students and Researchers
For UArizona students, this research opens the door to hands-on discovery. Undergraduates and graduate researchers join lab teams, analyze samples, and learn cutting-edge techniques that blend natural history and data science.
“Working on this project made me realize how everything connects — forests, oceans, climate, and people,” says student researcher Maya López.
UArizona’s commitment to immersive learning ensures students don’t just study science — they live it.
A Deeper Look Into Our Planet’s Past
As climate change reshapes the planet, understanding how Earth has adapted before is more important than ever. The University of Arizona’s effort to extend tree-ring science into the ocean offers a powerful reminder: nature has been keeping records all along — we’re only just learning to read them.