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Wara et al. 2003
Wara, M.W., Delaney, M.L., Bullen, T.D. and Ravelo, A.C. (2003). Possible roles of pH, temperature, and partial dissolution in determining boron concentration and isotopic composition in planktonic foraminifera. Paleoceanography 18: doi: 10.1029/2002PA000797. issn: 0883-8305.

We present the first continuous records from 0 to 5 Ma (in 0.333 m.y. integrated time steps) of paired boron/calcium (B/Ca) ratios and boron isotopes (δ11B) in the planktonic foraminifera Globogerinoides sacculifer (without sacc) from a site in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean (Ocean Drilling Program Site 806). These measurements, the first made in conjunction with calcification temperature (magnesium/calcium ratios) and average shell mass measurements, indicate that pH is not the sole environmental variable controlling B in planktonic foraminiferal calcite. Our data are consistent with calcification temperature exerting a primary control on B concentration and isotopic composition in planktonic foraminifera. If so, calcification temperature must be taken into account if pH for past oceans and atmospheric pCO2 are to be estimated from B isotope measurements in foraminiferal calcite. Doing so will substantially increase the uncertainty of pH estimates. Although this work was designed as a temporal study, its results define new aspects of calibrating the δ11B paleo-pH tracer.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Geochemistry, Isotopic composition/chemistry, Geochemistry, Marine geochemistry (4835, 4850), Geochemistry, Trace elements, Global Change, Oceans
Journal
Paleoceanography
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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