Tiny shells record Earth's ancient temperatures
Foraminifera shells from ancient ocean sediments preserve chemical clues, allowing scientists to reconstruct past sea temperatures and understand Earth's climate history over millions of years.
Microscopic marine organisms called foraminifera build intricate shells from calcium carbonate. These shells, accumulating on the ocean floor for millions of years, act as natural thermometers. Scientists analyze the ratio of oxygen isotopes within the shells; warmer waters incorporate more lighter oxygen-16, providing a precise record of past ocean temperatures.
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