Geologic knowledge can provide vital information for scientists modeling the climate, said Eric J. Barron, dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas, Austin.Climate models create mathematical representations of atmospheric patterns and ocean movements. The current focus is on models that relate temperature to concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.Scientists are developing increasingly sophisticated models that explain and project climate change.For oil and gas exploration, climate modeling is a concept that has come and gone and now come again, Barron said. Scientists report great strides since 20-25 years ago in their ability to generate simulation...