Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025
08:15
Author Spotlight: Unveiling Plankton Response to Climate Change Through Time-Series Data and Artistic Expression
Published on: July 28, 2023
1.4K
Ocean temperatures through the Phanerozoic reassessed.
Ethan L Grossman1, Michael M Joachimski2
1Department of Geology and Geophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA. e-grossman@tamu.edu.
Scientific Reports
|May 27, 2022
Summary
Oxygen isotope data from fossils reveal significant temperature shifts over the last 500 million years. This study confirms carbon and phosphate fossils accurately track paleotemperatures, highlighting carbon dioxide as a key climate driver.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Geochemistry
- Paleontology
Background:
- Oxygen isotope compositions in fossils are crucial for understanding Earth's climate history over the past 500 million years.
- The reliability and interpretation of this paleoclimate record derived from fossil isotopes are subjects of ongoing scientific debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and analyze a comprehensive dataset of Phanerozoic oxygen isotope (δ18O) data from carbonate and phosphate fossils.
- To assess the validity of fossil δ18O records for reconstructing past temperatures and Earth-system evolution.
- To investigate the role of atmospheric CO2 as a driver of Phanerozoic climate change.
Main Methods:
- Compiled 22,332 carbonate and 4,615 phosphate fossil analyses for Phanerozoic δ18O.
- Calculated paleotemperatures using corrected seawater δ18O (accounting for ice volume and paleolatitude) and corrected belemnite δ18O values.
- Applied a constant hydrosphere δ18O value in paleotemperature calculations.
Main Results:
- Phanerozoic fossil δ18O data show rapid shifts consistent with temperature changes.
- Consistent paleotemperature trends between carbonate and phosphate fossils indicate the preservation of original isotopic signatures.
- Average low-latitude shallow paleotemperatures show a decline from the Early-Middle Ordovician to the Mississippian, with notable hothouse intervals in the Early Triassic and Middle Cretaceous.
Conclusions:
- Fossil oxygen isotope records provide a reliable proxy for reconstructing Phanerozoic paleotemperatures.
- The study confirms significant temperature fluctuations throughout Earth's history, with distinct warm periods.
- Observed correlations between atmospheric CO2 and paleotemperatures support its role as a primary climate driver, particularly in the Paleozoic.
Related Concept Videos
01:50Global Climate Change
24.8K
Throughout its ~4.5 billion year history, the Earth has experienced periods of warming and cooling. However, the current drastic increase in global temperatures is well outside of the Earth’s cyclic norms, and evidence for human-caused global climate change is compelling. Paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climate conditions, provides ample evidence for human-caused global climate change by comparing recent conditions with those in the past.
24.8K
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
693
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
693
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
6.7K
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
6.7K
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
848
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
848
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
678
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
678
01:24Diversity of Archaea II
109
Archaea, one of the three domains of life, exhibit remarkable diversity and adaptability, thriving in both extreme and moderate environments. Historically, most identified archaea have been classified into two major phyla: Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. However, recent molecular studies have expanded this classification to include three additional phyla: Thaumarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota, and Korarchaeota, each exhibiting unique characteristics and ecological roles.Thaumarchaeota: Mesophiles...
109