Chapter
CARBONATE STABLE ISOTOPES | Speleothems
Abstract
The oxygen isotopic composition of calcite speleothems (stalagmites, etc.) can be used as a record of changing climate. In deep caves, calcite grows in isotopic equilibrium with drip water and, if δ18O of past drip waters were known, could provide paleotemperatures for caves, equivalent to average surface temperature above the cave. Isotopic records can be dated with high precision by U series up to 500,000 years. Equilibrium O isotope records …
Authors
Schwarcz H
Book title
Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science
Pagination
pp. 290-300
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
2007
DOI
10.1016/b0-44-452747-8/00352-5