Which of the following is true of 16O and 18O?
A)Both the 16O and 18O isotopes occur in water molecules.
B)Only the 16O isotope occurs in water molecules.
C)Only the 18O isotope occurs in water molecules.
D)Neither the 16O nor 18O isotopes occur in water molecules.
E)The 16O and 18O isotopes are so radically different they are not used in paleoclimate reconstructions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both the 16O and 18O isotopes occur in water molecules. Isotopes of oxygen, particularly 16O and 18O, are commonly used in paleoclimate reconstructions to deduce past temperatures and to investigate the hydrological cycle.

Which of the Following Is True of 16O and 18O