Dendroclimatology is the study of past climates through the analysis of tree rings. Synonyms for this complex term include tree-ring studies, dendrochronology and tree-ring science. Dendroclimatology is a field that is integral to understanding the earth's changing climate over time. Other closely related terms include paleoclimatology which involves the study of long-term climate trends, and climate change ecology which is concerned with the ecological impacts of changing temperatures. The use of tree rings to track climate patterns is a widespread technique used in many scientific fields, including archaeology, geology, and atmospheric science. Understanding the language and terminology used in these fields is essential to effectively communicate scientific findings and insights.