A lower ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio in ice core indicates a ________ climate, whereas a higher ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio indicates a ________ climate.
A) cooler; warmer
B) warmer; cooler
C) cooler; cold
D) warmer; hot

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A lower ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio indicates cooler climate because during cooler temperatures, more ¹⁶O is locked up in ice and less ¹⁸O is evaporated. A higher ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratio indicates warmer climate because during warmer temperatures, more ¹⁸O is evaporated and less ¹⁶O is locked up in ice.

A Lower ¹⁸O/¹⁶O Ratio in Ice Core Indicates a ________