Art could hold climate change clues
Published on: 28-Nov-2007
Art could hold climate change cluesPriceless works of art could hold clues to the history and future of the earth's climate, Greek scientists hope.
A study at the National Observatory in Athens is looking at works by JMW Turner and his contemporaries to track differences in sunsets.
The scientists are planning to test a theory that volcanic eruptions in the 19th century led to a cooling of the atmosphere.
"The initial idea arose from the fact that we saw an increased reddening of colors in sunsets which followed large volcanic eruptions," Christos Zerefos told the Associated Press.
Experts have warned that paintings from the period might not provide an accurate portrayal of what sunsets actually looked like.
More than 500 works will be included in the study.
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