Strontium Isotopes and Proxies Quiz

What is the primary mineral composition of carbonate rocks?

• Calcium carbonate

• Silicon dioxide

• Iron oxide

• Magnesium sulfate

Which cation is more likely to substitute for calcium in aragonite?

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Strontium

• Manganese

How does temperature affect strontium content in aragonite?

• Varies randomly

• Decreases with temperature

• Increases with temperature

• Remains constant

What is the significance of the strontium 87 to 86 ratio?

• Measures the temperature of the earth

• Reflects continental and oceanic crustal input

• Shows the amount of calcium in rocks

• Indicates the age of the ocean

What is the 706 line used to indicate?

• Boundary between oceanic and continental crust

• Boundary between accreted terrains and craton

• Boundary between different mineral compositions

• Boundary between tectonic plates

Which isotope ratio is commonly used in strontium isotope studies?

• 88 to 86

• 87 to 86

• 84 to 86

• 85 to 86

What is the role of rubidium-87 in strontium isotope formation?

• It is used to measure ocean salinity

• It decays to form strontium-87

• It is a stable isotope of strontium

• It is a byproduct of volcanic activity

How can strontium isotopes in evaporate minerals be used?

• To measure ocean depth

• To determine transgressive and regressive events

• To calculate mineral density

• To predict volcanic eruptions

What mineral in teeth allows for strontium isotope analysis?

• Quartz

• Gypsum

• Apatite

• Calcite

How can strontium isotopes in human teeth be used in forensic science?

• To determine the cause of death

• To identify dietary habits and geographical origin

• To measure bone density

• To predict future health issues