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Science 2 November 1973:
Vol. 182. no. 4111, pp. 479 - 482
DOI: 10.1126/science.182.4111.479
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Articles

Glacial-Postglacial Temperature Difference Deduced from Aspartic Acid Racemization in Fossil Bones

Roy A. Schroeder 1 and Jeffrey L. Bada 2

1 Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92037
2 Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Institute of Marine Resources, University of California, San Diego

The magnitude of the temperature increase that occurred in continental regions following the termination of the last glaciation has been determined from the degree of racemization of aspartic acid in fossil bones of known age. The results indicate an increase of 4°C for the Mediterranean coast and 5° to 6°C for East Africa. These estimates are believed to be reliable within 1°C.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
New Evidence for the Antiquity of Man in North America Deduced from Aspartic Acid Racemization.
J. L. Bada, J. L. Bada, R. A. Schroeder, and G. F. Carter (1974)
Science 184, 791-793
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)