A lower ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio in ocean sediment cores indicates a________ climate,whereas a higher ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio indicates a ________climate. A)cooler; cold B)cooler; warmer C)warmer; cooler D)warmer; hot

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A lower ^18O/^16O ratio in ocean sediment cores indicates a warmer climate because lighter ^16O evaporates more easily and is more prevalent in precipitation during warmer periods. A higher ^18O/^16O ratio indicates a cooler climate as more ^16O is trapped in ice sheets, leaving the ocean enriched in ^18O.

A Lower 18O/16O Ratio in Ocean Sediment Cores Indicates A________

A Lower ¹⁸O/¹⁶O Ratio in Ocean Sediment Cores Indicates A________