Abstract
High-resolution Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios are reported in the skeleton of Porites sp. collected from Sanya Bay, on the south coast of the Hainan Island, China using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry combined with isotope dilution technique (ICP–MS–ID). The coralline Mg/Ca ratios covary with sea-surface temperatures (SST) for the 10 year interval, giving the relationship between Mg/Ca and SST as T (°C)=(−14.13±0.31)+(8.846±0.068)×10 3Mg/Ca with the mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) of 9.7. Using this equation, we are able to reconstruct SST record with a precision better than ±0.5°C. Several Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios show poor linear relationships with the measured SST. This study indicates that the growth rates of the coral do not significantly affect coralline Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios. However, the high meteoric precipitation in this area, which may cause a heavy run-off from the Island, may change seawater Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios and ruin the relationships between coralline Sr/Ca or U/Ca ratios and SST. This implies that in coastal areas like Hainan, coralline Mg/Ca ratios are valid for reconstructing the SST records, but Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios may be suspected.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
