Question

Which do scientists study to determine air temperature at the time it was formed? Select the two correct answers. (1 point)
Responses

ice formed thousands of years ago
ice formed thousands of years ago

chemical isotopes in foraminifera shells
chemical isotopes in foraminifera shells

tree rings
tree rings

fossilized pollen
fossilized pollen

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To determine air temperature at the time it was formed, scientists typically study:

1. **Ice formed thousands of years ago** - This can provide temperature data through ice core analyses, where trapped air bubbles and isotopic compositions can indicate past temperatures.

2. **Chemical isotopes in foraminifera shells** - These microorganisms' shells contain isotopic ratios that can be analyzed to infer historical ocean temperatures and indirectly, air temperatures.

The other options, "tree rings" and "fossilized pollen," can provide valuable information about past climates and ecosystems but are not primarily used for determining past air temperature in the same direct manner as the two mentioned above.

Related Questions