Glaciers are isotopically light, so contraction (melting) of large glaciers puts more __________ into the oceans and atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Glaciers are made up of water molecules, which contain oxygen atoms. Oxygen has two stable isotopes, oxygen-16 and oxygen-18, with oxygen-18 being heavier. Glaciers are isotopically light because they contain a higher proportion of oxygen-16 compared to oxygen-18. When glaciers melt and their water is released into the oceans and atmosphere, they increase the relative abundance of isotopically light oxygen-16. Therefore, the correct answer is C, light oxygen.

Glaciers Are Isotopically Light, So Contraction (Melting) of Large Glaciers