New study contradicts assumptions of constant element conditions in the oceans
Thursday, August 27, 2020 - 12:42
in Paleontology & Archaeology
The compositional ratios of elements such as magnesium, calcium or strontium in seawater are an important means for the reconstruction of past oceanic processes. So far it has been assumed that these ratios are constant over long periods of time and over large areas. However, a study led by Kiel University (CAU) and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel shows that important element ratios in today's oceans are much more variable than previously thought. This finding also raises questions about the reconstruction of ocean history. The study has been published yesterday in the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).