CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Scientists at Oregon State University are studying air bubbles trapped in ancient ice chunks to get a better knowledge of climate change.

Their research suggests that future global warming may be worse than we previously thought. And, that our oceans could play a critical role in heating up the earth.

(File photo)

Inside a freezer room on the Oregon State University Campus, scientist studied frozen blocks of ice, some dating as far back as 90,000 years. They analyzed the tiny air bubbles inside. Bubbles of air that are like a snap-shot of the atmosphere way before humans were around to pollute it.

“Humans have added a huge amount of CO2 and methane and other gases to the atmosphere and ice core studies show us how big that impact on atmosphere is,” explained Ed Brook, Professor of Geosciences at OSU.

Using a special device, the scientist crushed the ice releasing the gas inside.

They then analyzed the air for greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide.

The researchers made an very interesting discovery.

“When ocean circulation slows down, there’s actually a process that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” said Brook.

Brook believes in the future as more CO2 is released into the atmosphere, we'll see increased global warming. That increased global warming will then cause changes in ocean currents, which in turn will cause even more CO2 to be released into the atmosphere, further warming an already warming climate.

“Our study suggest that that kind of a process might add some extra carbon dioxide and therefore extra warming into the climate system,” explained Brook.

Brook admits this is just one piece of the climate change puzzle, but it’s a "chilling" example of what our future may hold.

What’s Next:

Brook says, next, he and his team will study pieces of ice that date back over a million years. The team will head to Antarctica this winter.