SGER: The Deuterium-Hydrogen Ratio in Alkenones as a Proxy for the Paleo-hydrological Cycle

Brown University, Providence RI

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Herbert 0545525 This project is preliminary work towards the development of deuterium/hydrogen isotopic ratios as a proxy for isotopic composition of surface water. Alkenones produced by algae will be used as a source for the D/H ratios, both from laboratory cultures and available tropical cores. Laboratory cultures will determine whether and to what degree other environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, and nutrient availability affect D/H. The laboratory results will be verified using natural samples from the tropical cores. The current analytical technique will also be developed and improved. It is hoped that this work will be successful enough to lead to a full proposal to further develop the use of D/H as a paleoceanographic proxy.