How do calcareous oozes form?
A)The particles are biogenically or chemically precipitated in warm, surface waters and sink to the bottom.
B)The particles are precipitated by deep-ocean, bottom-dwelling, carbon-fixing bacteria.
C)The particles are precipitated in the water column below the depth of sunlight penetration and then sink to the bottom.
D)The particles settle out from calcite-rich turbidity currents at depths greater than 4,500 metres.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Calcareous oozes form when the calcium carbonate particles are biogenically or chemically precipitated in warm, surface waters and sink to the bottom. Biogenic precipitation occurs when marine organisms such as foraminifera and coccolithophores produce calcium carbonate shells, which eventually sink to the seafloor and accumulate as calcareous ooze. Chemical precipitation occurs when dissolved carbonate ions combine with calcium ions and precipitate out of the water. Both processes occur in warm surface waters where there is a high concentration of calcium carbonate and high productivity of calcium-secreting organisms.

How Do Calcareous Oozes Form