copyright 2010 ocean record of ancient climate foraminifera (“forams”) one-celled organisms ...
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Copyright 2010
Copyright 2010
Ocean Record of Ancient ClimateForaminifera (“Forams”)
One-celled organismsWidespread through the oceans“Tests” = shells
Approximately the size of sand grainsMade of CaCO3 or sediment particles
Fossil tests preserved in ocean sediment layers
Many modern species have existed for millions of years – scientists can study these “proxies” today!
Copyright 2010
Living Forams
Photo Credits: Dr. Howard Spero, University of California – DavisVideo: International Council for Science, Scientific Committee on Ocean Research - ScienceMediaNL
Copyright 2010
Fossil Foram Tests
Photo Credits: Michael Hesemann, Foraminifera EU
Copyright 2010
Neogloboquadrina pachyderma aka “N.
pachy” or “Neo”
right coil = warm ocean water
left coil = cold ocean
water
Copyright 2010
OLDER High Percent Right Coil = Warm Ocean
YOUNGER Low Percent Right Coil (Mostly Left Coil) = Cold Ocean
We can use fossil “Neo” tests (shells) to find ancient ocean temperatures
Copyright 2010
Photo Credits: Texas A & M University, College Station (Ocean Drilling Program)
Copyright 2010
Finding “Neo”
Ocean sediment
core
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OCEAN SEDIMENT
CORE
SOUTHEAST OF NEW
ZEALAND
Layer 1 10,000 ybp
Layer 2 15,000 ybp
Layer 3 20,000 ybp
USE “NEO” TO FIND THE CLIMATE HISTORY
ybp = years before present
Copyright 2010
Neogloboquadrina
right coil = warm ocean water
left coil = cold ocean
water
R L
Copyright 2010
RL
Copyright 2010
RR
L
R