Uranium and Thorium Decay Series Nuclide Abundances in Marine Plankton

Abstract : The aim of this study has been to determine the concentrations of members of the uranium and thorium decay series in marine plankton over large areas of the Atlantic Ocean and to use this information in oceanographic problems. These radionuclides are partitioned in different ways between sea water and plankton and particulates in the ocean column, and this fact can be used to assist in the understanding of: (1) surface ocean circulation patterns, and (2) the sources and sinks of the nuclides in the oceans.