scholarly journals A comparison between smaller (>63 μm) and larger (>150 μm) planktonic foraminiferal faunas from the Pleistocene of ODP Site 1073 (Leg 174A), New Jersey margin, NW Atlantic Ocean

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher W. Smart

Abstract. Planktonic foraminiferal faunas have been studied from the Pleistocene of ODP Site 1073 (Leg 174A), New Jersey margin, NW Atlantic Ocean and their abundances have been compared in the >63 μm and >150 μm size-fractions from the same samples. Trends in the relative abundance of many species are similar in the two size-fractions, although the general level varies considerably. The mean abundance and ranges of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral), N. pachyderma (dextral), Globorotalia inflata and Globigerina bulloides are greater in the >150 μm size-fraction compared with the >63 μm size-fraction. Turborotalita quinqueloba, Globigerinita uvula, G. glutinata, G. clarkei, and juvenile species are more abundant in the >63 μm size-fraction than the >150 μm size-fraction. Peaks (c. 60%) in abundance of G. uvula occur in the >63 μm size-fraction only, although the causes of these patterns are unclear. The data suggest that, in general, consistent palaeoclimatic/palaeoceanographic information is achieved by studying planktonic foraminiferal faunas from either size-fraction. However, because particular smaller species are either under-represented or even absent from the larger (>150 μm) size-fraction, the smaller (>63 μm) size-fraction must be included in studies of planktonic foraminifera. Furthermore, studies that involve planktonic foraminifera in the >63 μm size-fraction could provide different transfer function estimates for sea surface temperatures in areas where workers have only used larger (>125 μm and >150 μm) size-fractions.

Author(s):  
Alexandra Romanova ◽  
Alexandra Romanova ◽  
Vladimir Anin ◽  
Vladimir Anin ◽  
Sergey Pletnev ◽  
...  

80 sediment stations collected along the meridian transect across the Sea of Okhotsk were studied in order to reveal patterns of dissolution based on planktonic foraminifera. The degree of calcite dissolution intensity from planktonic foraminifera determined by different indices (degree of fragmentation, presence of susceptible to dissolution species, benthos/ plankton ratio). The highest degree of dissolution evidenced by a large number of shell fragments and corroding walls were found in sediments from the area of the Kuril Islands. The most revealing measure of probable dissolution of foraminiferal shells in the central part of the sea is a low number and lack of thin-walled species. The effects of dissolution on foraminiferal shells were studied for dominated species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin and Globigerina bulloides using a scanning electron microscope. The results are important for understanding processes of sedimentation, the paleo-oceanologial reconstructions and for obtaining reliable results in isotope analyzes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Abhijit Mazumder ◽  
Neloy Khare ◽  
Pawan Govil

18 surface sediment samples collected from a north-south transect along the Indian Ocean have been analyzed for planktonic Foraminifera content. Among the other planktonic foraminiferal faunas, Globigerina bulloides was present substantially in all samples. Census data of G. bulloides were measured for different parameters (average size, mean proloculus size, coiling direction, and number of chambers) and a Q-mode cluster analysis was applied on these data. Samples were segregated into two homogeneous clusters, each reflecting particular environmental conditions. Two clusters are as follows: (1) Cluster A, comprised of 6 samples and characterized by the highest range of foraminiferal and ecological parameters, except sea surface temperature and salinity which shows the lowest range, and (2) Cluster B, comprised of 12 samples and characterized by the lowest range of foraminiferal parameters and ecological parameters, except sea surface temperature and salinity which shows the highest range. The study suggests that the ecological parameters are the governing factors for the morphological characteristics of planktonic foraminiferal species G. bulloides.


Author(s):  
Alexandra Romanova ◽  
Alexandra Romanova ◽  
Vladimir Anin ◽  
Vladimir Anin ◽  
Sergey Pletnev ◽  
...  

80 sediment stations collected along the meridian transect across the Sea of Okhotsk were studied in order to reveal patterns of dissolution based on planktonic foraminifera. The degree of calcite dissolution intensity from planktonic foraminifera determined by different indices (degree of fragmentation, presence of susceptible to dissolution species, benthos/ plankton ratio). The highest degree of dissolution evidenced by a large number of shell fragments and corroding walls were found in sediments from the area of the Kuril Islands. The most revealing measure of probable dissolution of foraminiferal shells in the central part of the sea is a low number and lack of thin-walled species. The effects of dissolution on foraminiferal shells were studied for dominated species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin and Globigerina bulloides using a scanning electron microscope. The results are important for understanding processes of sedimentation, the paleo-oceanologial reconstructions and for obtaining reliable results in isotope analyzes


Author(s):  
Esteban Boltovskoy ◽  
Demetrio Boltovskoy ◽  
Frederico Brandini

The abundance and latitudinal and vertical (0-100 m) distribution of planktonic Foraminifera was investigated on the basis of 38 samples collected in November 1994 in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean (34-60°S, along 51-56°W). Mean foraminiferal densities were 1.5 ind. l−1 (range: 0.15.9 ind. l−1), with highest concentrations in subsurface waters (20-50 m). Couplings between the distribution of chlorophyll a and foraminiferal abundances were very loose. Distribution patterns of the 15 species recorded allowed 6 distinct areas to be defined along the transect surveyed. From north to south these are: Subtropical (dominated by Globigerinoides ruber and G. trilobus), Cold intrusion (Globigerinita uvula), Transitional-Subtropical and Transitional (Globigerina bulloides, Globigerina quinqueloba), Subantarctic (G. quinqueloba), and Antarctic (Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, left coiling). Close comparisons with the yields of a similar data set collected in November 1993 show very good agreement. Foraminiferal thermic régimes were also similar in 1993 and in 1994, but for some species significant differences with previous data were detected. While the southwards extensions of the ranges of warm water species are fairly well circumscribed by the Brazil current-influenced waters, several foraminifers widely used as indicators and palaeoindicators of cool waters (in particular Globigerina bulloides, Globigerina quinqueloba and Globigerinita uvula) were recorded in very significant numbers at temperatures as high as 20-24°C. The implication of these findings for hydrological, ecological, and palaeoecological interpretations is discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 280-289
Author(s):  
Sandro Monticelli Petró ◽  
Leticia Burone

Planktonic foraminifera inhabit in the ocean waters and their spatial distribution is driven mainly by surface temperature. Thus, the tests remain deposited in the ocean sediment show different assemblages according to global climate zones. The main goal of this study was to assess the planktonic foraminifera found in the lowest continental slope of Uruguayan Continental Margin (UCM), and to identify the best criteria for future late Quaternary biostratigraphic and paleoceanographic models and based on carbonate preservation to identify water masses changes. For this purpose, this work examines foraminifera within a sediment core (T-90, 372 cm recovery, 3273 m water depth) collected in the lowest slope of UCM using a gravity corer. Forty height samples were selected along the core for foraminifera presence/absence analysis, and 13 samples, in the core section between 20 and 100 cm for foraminiferal faunal census. The age model was based on three AMS 14C dating. Foraminifera were absent in the core bottom, but were very abundant in its upper part. This variation of foraminifera was associated with fluctuations of lysocline in the glacial/interglacial transition, related to changes in geometry of bottom water masses. The most abundant species were Globorotalia inflata, Neogloboquadrina incompta, Globigerina bulloides, Globorotalia crassaformis, Globigerinoides ruber (white, sensu stricto) and Neogloboquadrina pachyderma. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed to distinguished 3 groups of species in terms of climate zones: G. inflata (transicional), N. incompta (subpolar) and N. pachyderma (polar). Cluster analysis also identified three patterns of relative abundance among these three species, which can be related to oscillations in the latitude of Brazil-Malvinas Confluence zone during the last 15 ka. For future studies, it will be possible to check the relationship between these species as indicators of others paleoceanographic events in the study area. ResumoOs foraminíferos planctônicos habitam os oceanos sendo a sua distribuição espacial influenciada principalmente pela temperatura das águas de superfície. As suas carapaças depositadas no sedimento oceânico registam diferentes associações de acordo com as zonas climáticas globais. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é identificar mudanças de massas de água, no talude inferior da Margem Continental Uruguaia (UCM), com base na preservação de carbonatos e nas associações de foraminíferos planctônicos. Este trabalho baseia-se no estudo de foraminíferos planctônicos num testemunho de sedimentos (T-90, 372 cm de recuperação) recolhido a 3273 m de profundidade de lâmina de água, no talude continental inferior de UCM. Foram selecionadas 40 amostras ao longo do testemunho para análise presença / ausência de foraminíferos, e 13 amostras, na seção central entre 20 e 100 cm para o estudo das associações de foraminíferos. O modelo de idade foi baseado em três datações de radiocarbono por AMS. Os foraminíferos estão ausentes na extremidade inferior do testemunho, mas são muito abundantes na secção superior. Esta variação da abundância de foraminíferos poderá estar associada a flutuações da lisoclina na transição glacial/interglacial, relacionadas com mudanças na geometria das massas de água do fundo. As espécies mais abundantes ao longo do testemunho são Globorotalia inflata, Neogloboquadrina incompta, Globigerina bulloides, Globorotalia crassaformis, Globigerinoides ruber (branco, sensu stricto) e Neogloboquadrina pachyderma. A análise de componentes principais (PCA) permitiu distinguir 3 grupos de espécies em termos de zonas climáticas: G. inflata (transicional), N. incompta (subpolar) e N. pachyderma (polar). A análise de agrupamento permitiu identificar três padrões de abundância relativa entre essas três espécies, que podem estar relacionadas a oscilações na latitude da zona de confluência Brasil-Malvinas durante os últimos 15 ka. Estudos futuros, poderão basear-se na relação entre estas espécies para traçar eventos paleoceanográficos na região estudada. 


Author(s):  
Stergios D. Zarkogiannis ◽  
Assimina Antonarakou ◽  
Vincent Fernandez ◽  
P. Graham Mortyn ◽  
George Kontakiotis ◽  
...  

Planktonic foraminiferal biomineralization intensity, reflected by their shell calcite mass, affects global carbonate deposition and is known to follow the climate cycles by being increased during glacial stages and decreased during interglacial ones. Here we measure the dissolution state and the mass of the shells of the planktonic foraminifera species Globigerina bulloides from a Tropical Eastern North Atlantic site over the last two glacial-interglacial climatic transitions and we report no major changes in plankton calcite production with the atmospheric pCO2 variations. We attribute this consistency in foraminifera calcification to the climatic and hydrological stability of the tropical regions. We however recorded increased shell masses midway through the penultimate deglaciation (Termination II). In order to elucidate the cause of the increased shell weights we performed δ18O, Mg/Ca and μCT measurements on the same shells from a number of samples surrounding this event. We find that shells of increased mass are internally contaminated by sediment infilling and that shell weights are responding to local hydrographic changes.


Author(s):  
Alexandra Romanova ◽  
Alexandra Romanova ◽  
Vladimir Anin ◽  
Vladimir Anin ◽  
Sergey Pletnev ◽  
...  

80 sediment stations collected along the meridian transect across the Sea of Okhotsk were studied in order to reveal patterns of dissolution based on planktonic foraminifera. The degree of calcite dissolution intensity from planktonic foraminifera determined by different indices (degree of fragmentation, presence of susceptible to dissolution species, benthos/ plankton ratio). The highest degree of dissolution evidenced by a large number of shell fragments and corroding walls were found in sediments from the area of the Kuril Islands. The most revealing measure of probable dissolution of foraminiferal shells in the central part of the sea is a low number and lack of thin-walled species. The effects of dissolution on foraminiferal shells were studied for dominated species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin and Globigerina bulloides using a scanning electron microscope. The results are important for understanding processes of sedimentation, the paleo-oceanologial reconstructions and for obtaining reliable results in isotope analyzes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1725-1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Aldridge ◽  
C. J. Beer ◽  
D. A. Purdie

Abstract. Marine calcifiers, such as planktonic foraminifera, form a major component of the global carbon cycle, acting as both a source and sink of CO2. Understanding factors that affect calcification in these organisms is therefore critical in predicting how the oceans will respond to increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Here, size-normalised weights (SNWs) of the planktonic foraminifera Globigerina bulloides, collected from the surface waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, are compared with in situ carbonate ion concentrations ([CO32–]), sea-surface temperature, optimum growth conditions and nutrient concentrations. Changes in phosphate concentrations ([PO43–], range: 0.04–0.39 μM) explained the majority of G. bulloides SNW variation, with reduced test masses at higher concentrations. Two factors already known to influence calcification in foraminifers, [CO32–] and temperature, were also positively correlated over the range of values examined (148–181 μM kg−1 and 10.3–12.7 °C respectively). No evidence was found for increased SNWs under apparent optimum growth conditions, indicated by G. bulloides abundances. However, "growth potentials" (μ), derived from modelled growth rates (d–1), were positively correlated with SNWs, suggesting that this may be a better proxy for optimum growth conditions. These findings point to the potential importance of [PO43–] in determining calcification intensities in foraminifera, a factor which has been overlooked by previous studies on these organisms. The confirmation of this via carefully controlled culture studies is recommended in the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (17) ◽  
pp. 3425-3437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Greco ◽  
Lukas Jonkers ◽  
Kerstin Kretschmer ◽  
Jelle Bijma ◽  
Michal Kucera

Abstract. Neogloboquadrina pachyderma is the dominant planktonic foraminifera species in the polar regions. In the northern high-latitude ocean, it makes up more than 90 % of the total assemblages, making it the dominant pelagic calcifier and carrier of paleoceanographic proxies. To assess the reaction of this species to a future shaped by climate change and to be able to interpret the paleoecological signal contained in its shells, its depth habitat must be known. Previous work showed that N. pachyderma in the northern polar regions has a highly variable depth habitat, ranging from the surface mixed layer to several hundreds of metres below the surface, and the origin of this variability remained unclear. In order to investigate the factors controlling the depth habitat of N. pachyderma, we compiled new and existing population density profiles from 104 stratified plankton tow hauls collected in the Arctic and the North Atlantic oceans during 14 oceanographic expeditions. For each vertical profile, the depth habitat (DH) was calculated as the abundance-weighted mean depth of occurrence. We then tested to what degree environmental factors (mixed-layer depth, sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, chlorophyll a concentration, and sea ice concentration) and ecological factors (synchronized reproduction and daily vertical migration) can predict the observed DH variability and compared the observed DH behaviour with simulations by a numerical model predicting planktonic foraminifera distribution. Our data show that the DH of N. pachyderma varies between 25 and 280 m (average ∼100 m). In contrast with the model simulations, which indicate that DH is associated with the depth of chlorophyll maximum, our analysis indicates that the presence of sea ice together with the concentration of chlorophyll a at the surface have the strongest influence on the vertical habitat of this species. N. pachyderma occurs deeper when sea ice and chlorophyll concentrations are low, suggesting a time-transgressive response to the evolution of (near) surface conditions during the annual cycle. Since only surface parameters appear to affect the vertical habitat of N. pachyderma, light or light-dependant processes might influence the ecology of this species. Our results can be used to improve predictions of the response of the species to climate change and thus to refine paleoclimatic reconstructions.


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