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Reconstructing past ocean pH-depth profiles

Palmer1, Pearson, Cobb

  • 1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1RJ, UK.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 20, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Reconstructing ocean pH profiles using boron isotopes in planktonic foraminifera reveals ancient tropical ocean conditions. This method enhances understanding of the global carbon cycle over geological timescales.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoceanography
  • Marine Geochemistry
  • Micropaleontology

Background:

  • Understanding past ocean pH is crucial for reconstructing the global carbon cycle.
  • Planktonic foraminifera are valuable proxies for marine environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reconstruct the pH profile of the tropical ocean's upper water column.
  • To assess the utility of boron isotope compositions in foraminifera for paleoceanographic studies.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of boron isotope compositions in fossil planktonic foraminifera tests.
  • Analysis of specimens calcified at various depths.
  • Reconstruction of pH-depth profiles for specific geological time windows.

Main Results:

  • pH-depth profiles were successfully reconstructed for five time windows spanning the middle Miocene to the late Pleistocene.
  • The reconstructed pH profiles were found to be similar to those of the modern tropical ocean.
  • The findings validate the use of boron isotopes in foraminifera for paleoceanographic pH reconstructions.

Conclusions:

  • The boron isotope method provides a reliable means to reconstruct past ocean pH profiles.
  • This technique offers significant potential for advancing our understanding of the global carbon cycle.
  • Past tropical ocean pH conditions appear to have been relatively stable over millions of years.

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