Articles | Volume 16, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-1807-2020
https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-1807-2020
Research article
 | 
28 Sep 2020
Research article |  | 28 Sep 2020

Does a proxy measure up? A framework to assess and convey proxy reliability

F. Garrett Boudinot and Joseph Wilson

Cited articles

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Dee, S. G., Steiger, N. J., Emile-Geay, J., and Hakim, G. J.: On the utility of proxy system models for estimating climate states over the common era, J. Adv. Model. Earth Syst., 8, 1164–1179, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016MS000677, 2016. 
Dee, S. G., Russell, J. M., Morrill, C., Chen, Z., and Neary, A.: PRYSM V2.0: A proxy system model for lacustrine archives, Paleoceanogr. Paleoclim., 33, 1250–1269, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018PA003413, 2018. 
Elderfield, H.: Foraminiferal Mg/Ca paleothermometry: expected advances and unexpected consequences, Goldschmidt Conference, Davos, Switzerland, 17–23 August, Geochmim. Cosmochim. Acta, 66, A213, 2002. 
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Short summary
We propose a framework that can guide the development, application, and interpretation of different forms of measurement. Using temperature measurements as a case study, we demonstrate the need for a distinction between different measurements based on their different uncertainties and provide prescriptive language and measures that can aid a researcher's ability to assess data from different measurements. This framework can apply to a wide range of proxy measurements and fields of science.