Author Question: How can the oxygen-isotope ratio in the calcium carbonate shell remains of organisms found in ocean ... (Read 228 times)

neverstopbelieb

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 534
How can the oxygen-isotope ratio in the calcium carbonate shell remains of organisms found in ocean sediment provide information about past sequences of glacier advances and retreats?

Question 2

The thermosphere is where charged particles from the sun interact with air molecules to produce ____.
 A) ozone
  B) auroras
  C) radio waves
  D) humidity



Smiles0805

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 305
Answer to Question 1

Because certain organisms that once lived near the surface of water can only live within a narrow range of temperatures, the distribution and type of organisms within the sediment indicate the temperature of the surface water. Most of the oxygen in seawater is composed of 8 protons and 8 neutrons in its nucleus, giving it an atomic weight of 16. However, about one out of every thousand oxygen atoms contains an extra 2 neutrons, giving it an atomic weight of 18. When ocean water evaporates, the oxygen-18 tends to be left behind. Consequently, during periods of glacier advance, the oceans, which contain less water, have a higher concentration of oxygen-18. The shells of marine organisms are constructed from the oxygen atoms exiting in ocean water, so determining the ratio of oxygen-18 to oxygen-16 within these shells yield information about how the climate may have varied in the past. A higher ratio of oxygen-18 to oxygen-16 in the sediment suggests a colder climate, whereas a lower ratio suggests a warmer climate.

Answer to Question 2

B



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question


 

Did you know?

During the twentieth century, a variant of the metric system was used in Russia and France in which the base unit of mass was the tonne. Instead of kilograms, this system used millitonnes (mt).

Did you know?

The top 10 most important tips that will help you grow old gracefully include (1) quit smoking, (2) keep your weight down, (3) take supplements, (4) skip a meal each day or fast 1 day per week, (5) get a pet, (6) get medical help for chronic pain, (7) walk regularly, (8) reduce arguments, (9) put live plants in your living space, and (10) do some weight training.

Did you know?

Cyanide works by making the human body unable to use oxygen.

Did you know?

The human body produces and destroys 15 million blood cells every second.

Did you know?

More than 150,000 Americans killed by cardiovascular disease are younger than the age of 65 years.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library