isotopes to determine water temperature Flashcards
1
Q
which elements can show us water temp in rocks
A
oxygen and carbon
2
Q
which isotopes of oxygen show this
A
16O and 18O
3
Q
which istope of O is more abundant
A
16O
4
Q
which isotope of O is lighter
A
16O
5
Q
what happens to the relative levels of Oxygen in the water when glaciation takes place
A
the heavy 18O stays in water and 16O is trapped in glaciers
6
Q
what does a relativley higher level of 18O tell us about the paleoclimate
A
there was glaciation
7
Q
which carbon isotopes do we use
A
12C and 13C
8
Q
which carbon isotope is most abundant
A
12C
9
Q
which carbon isotope do plants prefer to take up?
A
12C
10
Q
what happens to carbon isotopes in sea during glaciation
A
more 12C as lack of terrestrial plants
11
Q
what does lower levels of 12C tell us
A
no glaciation
12
Q
what do higher levels of 12 C tell us
A
glaciation
