Deep-sea Sediment Core Model

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

Two sediment cores in the Hall of Planet Earth. Arrow points to the core on the left. AMNH/D. Finnin

Cariaco Basin, Venezuela, 15,000–12,000 years ago

The segment of sediment core modeled here shows 3,000 years of changing climate. The lowest gray-green layers were deposited during a cold period, when low sea levels cut off the basin from the open ocean. Dark layers represent a warm period when higher seas allowed nutrients to enter the basin, promoting plankton growth and producing dark silt. Light layers above record a shift 12,900 years ago to the cooler conditions of the Younger Dryas.

Courtesy of the International Ocean Discovery Program, 
JOIDES Resolution Science Operator

Two sediment cores in the Hall of Planet Earth. Arrow points to the core on the left.
AMNH/D. Finnin