Download the Zachos et al (2001) δ18O and δ13C datasets from the Geology 440/640 web page.
1. Plot the δ18O data for the last 70 million years (show δ18O values on the x axis going from negative to positive from left to right and age in Ma on the y axis from oldest at the bottom to youngest at the top).
2. On the curve clearly label major excursions and changes in trends.
3. In a table show ages of major changes (from bottom to top oldest to youngest) and
identify possible causes for each major event.
4. Plot the δ18O data for the last 4 million years formatting the axes as in 1 above.
5. On the curve indicate changes in patterns
6. In a table show the duration (age ranges) of the different parts of the curve and
describe how they differ from one another (intensity, wave length and amplitude of
δ18O variations)
[All the plots as required can be produced in Excel – use xy plot but you will need to manipulate the spreadsheet to obtain the required format. This may take some experimentation but learning how to manipulate and format graphs is a useful skill. You need to become adept at it].
Zachos et al data (Excel spreadsheet)