Although the samples are two orders of magnitude smaller than typical air samples for methane isotopic measurements, Fischer's team was able to obtain precise measurements of carbon - 13 to carbon - 12 ratios. (environmentalresearchweb.org)
Cuffey developed a technique to combine these temperature measurements, which are smoothed as a result of heat diffusion in the ice, with isotopic measurements of old ice to come up with an estimated temperature of 11.3 degrees, plus or minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, warming since the depths of the ice age. (sciencedaily.com)
This talk provides an overview and tour of the findings from Curiosity, featuring spectacular high definition images, tantalizing mineralogical evidence for fresh water, and atmospheric isotopic measurements indicative of an ancient climate different from today. (kavliprize.org)