Derived from natural records and model simulations, paleoclimate evidence extends instrument-based observations of Earth’s climate changes on inner-annual to glacial-interglacial time scales, providing the long-term context and unique perspective into understanding natural climate variability and future climate change. With the development of paleoclimate models and reconstructions, such as new proxy records, improved climate models and paleoclimate data assimilation techniques, detailed understanding of paleoclimate change patterns and mechanisms has reached an unprecedented level in both width and depth; however, limitations remain, such as uncertainties in paleoclimate reconstructions and data syntheses and unsatisfactory performances of climate models in specific variables and on the regional scale. The integration of records and simulations in paleoclimatology is key to filling the gaps.

This Research Topic focuses on improving our understanding of past climate changes through both paleoclimate records and simulations at multiple temporal-spatial scales. Previous qualitative and semi-quantitative data-model comparisons have not been able to meet the needs of paleoclimatology development. Quantitative paleoclimate reconstructions have improved as the number of study sites and variety of proxy types have expanded, and as records have been compiled into new regional and global datasets, thus can be compared with paleoclimate simulations in more details directly. Combined with the advantage of paleoclimate models in verifying the climate response to different external forcings, we have the chance to achieve the best application of integration of records and simulations in paleoclimatology.

We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Methods, and other article types of contributions suited for this Research Topic. Research interests include but are not limited to, the following issues:

1. Case study of the integration of paleoclimate records and simulations
2. Paleoclimate data integration at multiple temporal-spatial scales
3. New techniques for paleoclimate data assimilation
4. Quantitative data-model comparison at the regional or global scale
5. Implication for future climate change from paleoclimate perspectives

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Frontiers in Earth Science

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