Oxygen isotope analysis is the measurement of two isotopes of oxygen (¹⁸O and ¹⁶O). The lighter isotope, ¹⁶O, _________. A)is more prevalent in glaciers B)evaporates more readily from the oceans C)is more prevalent in precipitation D)all of the above

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The lighter isotope, ¹⁶O, evaporates more readily from the ocean, is more prevalent in precipitation, and consequently, is more prevalent in glaciers. This is because during the evaporation process, water molecules containing the lighter isotope (¹⁶O) are preferentially evaporated, and during precipitation, these molecules are also preferentially precipitated. This leads to a higher concentration of ¹⁶O in both precipitation and glaciers.

Oxygen Isotope Analysis Is the Measurement of Two Isotopes of Oxygen