Analysing the ancient oceans
12 March 2010
Scientists have developed a new technique that enables them to determine what the chemical composition of the ocean was like millions of years ago, which could provide them with a new tool for understanding early Earth.
In research published in the journal Science on 5 February, researchers from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering describe a novel method for reconstructing past ocean chemistry using calcium carbonate veins, which were formed millions of years ago under the sea floor.The researchers say understanding changes in the chemistry of oceans could help them to improve their knowledge about past climate, movements in the Earth’s crust and the evolution of life in the oceans.
The scientists studied core samples of calcium carbonate veins, which were recovered by scientific deep-ocean drilling teams as part of the Integrated Deep Ocean Drilling Program. These calcium carbonate veins were formed when warm seawater flowed through the ocean’s crust and reacted with basalt rock.
— Colin Smith, Communications
To hear Dr Rosalind Coggon (Earth Science and Engineering) talk about what she discovered when she analysed the veins and the possibilities opened up by the new technique visit:
Tags: Earth Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Issue 216, News
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