QuestionDecember 15, 2025

2.2 Using the delta ^18O_(SMOW) data provided for the clam shells, calculate the temperatures of the Cretaceous and modern surface oceans where these animals lived (report data in {}^circ C . Please upload a screen shot of excel, or this page showing your work that includes all steps. T=16.9-4.38 l-1.18 -o) +0.1 -1,18

2.2 Using the delta ^18O_(SMOW) data provided for the clam shells, calculate the temperatures of the Cretaceous and modern surface oceans where these animals lived (report data in {}^circ C . Please upload a screen shot of excel, or this page showing your work that includes all steps. T=16.9-4.38 l-1.18 -o) +0.1 -1,18
2.2 Using the delta ^18O_(SMOW) data provided for the clam shells, calculate the temperatures of the Cretaceous and modern surface oceans where these animals lived (report data in {}^circ C . Please upload a screen shot of excel, or this page showing your work that includes all steps. T=16.9-4.38 l-1.18 -o) +0.1 -1,18

Solution
4.0(275 votes)

Answer

**Cretaceous ocean temperature:** 19.08 °C ### **Modern ocean temperature:** 14.95 °C Explanation 1. Extract given formula and data The paleotemperature equation is given as T = 16.9 - 4.38(\delta_c - \delta_w) + 0.1(\delta_c - \delta_w)^2 We are asked to compare **Cretaceous** and **modern** surface ocean temperatures. From the image: - For **Cretaceous**: \delta_c = -1.80, \delta_w = -1.309 - For **Modern**: \delta_c = +0.55, \delta_w = +0.1 2. Compute \delta_c - \delta_w **Cretaceous:** -1.80 - (-1.309) = -0.491 **Modern:** 0.55 - 0.1 = 0.45 3. Calculate Cretaceous temperature Substitute values: T = 16.9 - 4.38(-0.491) + 0.1(-0.491)^2 T = 16.9 + 2.152 + 0.024 T = 19.08^\circ C 4. Calculate Modern temperature Substitute values: T = 16.9 - 4.38(0.45) + 0.1(0.45)^2 T = 16.9 - 1.971 + 0.020 T = 14.95^\circ C

Explanation

1. Extract given formula and data<br /> The paleotemperature equation is given as <br />$T = 16.9 - 4.38(\delta_c - \delta_w) + 0.1(\delta_c - \delta_w)^2$ <br />We are asked to compare **Cretaceous** and **modern** surface ocean temperatures. From the image:<br />- For **Cretaceous**: <br /> $\delta_c = -1.80$, $\delta_w = -1.309$<br />- For **Modern**: <br /> $\delta_c = +0.55$, $\delta_w = +0.1$<br /><br />2. Compute $\delta_c - \delta_w$<br /> **Cretaceous:** $-1.80 - (-1.309) = -0.491$<br /> **Modern:** $0.55 - 0.1 = 0.45$<br /><br />3. Calculate Cretaceous temperature<br /> Substitute values:<br />$T = 16.9 - 4.38(-0.491) + 0.1(-0.491)^2$ <br />$T = 16.9 + 2.152 + 0.024$ <br />$T = 19.08^\circ C$<br /><br />4. Calculate Modern temperature<br /> Substitute values:<br />$T = 16.9 - 4.38(0.45) + 0.1(0.45)^2$ <br />$T = 16.9 - 1.971 + 0.020$ <br />$T = 14.95^\circ C$
Click to rate:

Similar Questions