Why is it that oxygen isotopes in glacial ice can be used to estimate mean ocean surface temperatures in the past? A) Large glaciers and ice sheets tend to be near the oceans. B) The ratio of ¹⁸ O to ¹⁶ O in vapor from warm water tends to be higher. C) Most of the atmospheric water vapor that falls as snow had evaporated from seawater. D) Water that contains ¹⁶ O is lighter.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most of the atmospheric water vapor that falls as snow had evaporated from seawater, and the ratio of oxygen isotopes in the snow is related to the temperature at which the seawater evaporated. By analyzing the ratio of oxygen isotopes in glacial ice, scientists can estimate past ocean surface temperatures.

Why Is It That Oxygen Isotopes in Glacial Ice Can