The influence of rivers on marine boron isotopes and implications for reconstructing past ocean pH.

摘要: Ocean pH is particularly sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide content1,2,3. Records of ocean pH can therefore be used estimate past concentrations. The isotopic composition boron (δ11B) contained in the carbonate shells marine organisms varies according pH, from which pH can reconstructed4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. This requires independent estimates δ11B dissolved sea water through time. budget, however, is still largely unconstrained. Here we show that, by incorporating global flux riverine (as estimated measurements 22 world's main rivers), isotope budget balanced. We also derive budgets for 120 Myr. Estimated compositions a remarkable consistency with records foraminiferal carbonates9,10,11, suggesting that foraminifera may part reflect changes rather than over Cenozoic era.