Paleoceanography is the study of past processes and past events that have occurred in the ocean. What types of questions do paleoceanographers ask and what are the methods they use to obtain information about the ocean's past?


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Deep-sea sediments hold about a 180-million-year history about the ocean, its chemistry, and its inhabitants. Paleoceanographers may ask questions about the history of the ocean and Earth. These questions may range from climate science, to species biology, to geological phenomena, and more. Scientists use many different sampling techniques such as clamshell samplers, piston corers, and deep-sea drilling to extract sediment samples from different depths. Paleoceanographers can infer several types of information held within these sediments including the age of the sediments, the identification of microfossils trapped in the layer of sediments, the historical temperatures of the ocean, and other aspects of past ocean chemistry and behavior. In addition, scientists are currently trying to interpret both oceanic and climate change history. New advances in instrumentation and technologies have enabled scientists to probe deeper into sediments unveiling more information about the ocean of the past.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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A. Oxygen 16 and oxygen 18 evaporate from ocean water at the same rate. B. Oxygen 18 contains two more electrons than oxygen 16. C. Oxygen 16 and oxygen 18 exist in the shells of marine organisms. D. Oxygen 16 and oxygen 18 occur in roughly equal amounts in ocean water.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

During the summer along the coast, a sea breeze is usually strongest and best developed ____

A) in the afternoon B) just after sunrise C) around midnight D) just before noon

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

During an El Nino event, winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the north-central US.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Microscopes and telescopes are most commonly used to do which of the following?

A) Extend our senses B) Help control experimental environments C) Quickly measure great quantities D) Manipulate large quantities of materials

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences