Ecological Impact of the Introduction to New Zealand of Asian Date Mussels and Cordgrass—The Foraminiferal,Ostracod and Molluscan Record

The ecological impact from the establishment of dense intertidal beds of introduced Asian date mussels (Musculista senhousia) and cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in five northern New Zealand estuaries and harbours was documented in 2005–2006, using the fossil record of the shells of foraminifera, ostracods and molluscs in paired sediment cores and surface samples taken from inside and outside selected beds. The most significant changes in faunal composition in all, but the most saline sites, generally occurred in both cores in each pair and could be attributed to the impact of decreased salinity and pH as a result of increased freshwater runoff following clearance of the surrounding forest in the 19th century and urban development in the late 20th century. Establishment of Asian date mussel beds had a greatest impact on the composition of ostracod faunas. At near oceanic salinity, the mussels had completely replaced the native infaunal bivalve fauna, but had little impact on the foraminifera. At more brackish sites, the presence of mussel shells appears to have buffered the calcareous foraminifera from the effects of lowered pH, which had dissolved this component outside the beds. Establishment of cordgrass patches had no impact on ostracod faunas, and little on molluscs except at Kaipara, where introduced Pacific oysters had colonised the cordgrass. Cordgrass had the most impact on the foraminifera. At brackish sites, cordgrass patches had been colonised by agglutinated foraminiferal species different from those that dominate outside. In cordgrass at more saline sites, agglutinated foraminifera have invaded and bloomed at the expense of calcareous Ammonia spp., which dominated outside the patches.     

Climate variations,an overlooked factor influencing the recent marine environment. An example from Gullmar Fjord,Sweden, illustrated by benthic foraminifera and hydrographic data

Like most sill fjords, Gullmar Fjord on the Swedish west coast, is subject to periods of stagnation. Deep water is usually renewed annually, but since the late 1970s several low-oxygen events have been documented in the deepest part of the fjord. These events occurred during a time when the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was in a highly positive phase. We investigated how the benthic environment, in the deepest part of the fjord, has varied during the 20th century, using benthic foraminifera and an extensive history of instrumental hydrographic data. The foraminifera have undergone one major faunal change and two minor modifications during this time. The major faunal change occurred in the late 1970s to early 1980s, when the common Skagerrak-Kattegat fauna was replaced by one dominated by the opportunistic, low-oxygen-tolerant species,Stainforthia fusiformis. This major faunal change appears to be related to the severe low-oxygen event in 1979–1980. In the latter part of the 1990s the fauna changed again; the concentration ofS. fusiformis was still high, but other low-oxygen-tolerant species also became important. This minor faunal modification occurred in connection with the 2-yr stagnation period between 1996 and 1998 when a low-oxygenevent evolved, the most severe recorded in Gullmar Fjord. Between 1930 and 1980, there was little faunal variation, and a stable fjord environment is indicated. During this time, negative NAO indexes dominated and climate was more continental, with an increase in winds from the northeast and east. In connection with a climate transition indicated by the NAO index switching from positive to negative, a minor faunal change occurred in the late 1920s to early 1930s: the concentration of the Skagerrak-Kattegat fauna increased markedly in the fjord. The fauna characterizing the positive NAO phase between 1900 and the late 1920s is very different from the present positive NAO fauna. The foraminiferal record laid down between approximately 1914 and 2001 indicates that between 1930 and 1980 Gullmar Fjord was a stable fjord environment. During the last 20 yr, it experienced conditions that were more fluctuating and changing. For the most part, changes in the foraminiferal fauna are caused by changes in the deep-water renewal, their extent and frequency, which in turn are caused by climatic oscillations.     

Assessing the suitability of benthic foraminiferal morpho-groups to reconstruct paleomonsoon from Bay of Bengal

Temporal changes in benthic foraminiferal morpho-groups were suggested as an effective proxy to reconstruct past monsoon intensity from the Arabian Sea. Here, in order to test the applicability of temporal variation in morpho-groups to reconstruct past monsoon intensity from the Bay of Bengal, we have documented recent benthic foraminiferal distribution from the continental shelf region of the northwestern Bay of Bengal. Based on the external morphology, benthic foraminifera were categorized into rounded symmetrical (RSBF) and angular asymmetrical benthic foraminifera (AABF). Additionally, a few other dominant groups were also identified based on test composition (agglutinated, calcareous) and abundance (Asterorotalids and Nonions). The relative abundance of each group was compared with the ambient physico-chemical conditions, including dissolved oxygen, organic matter, salinity and temperature. We report that the RSBF are abundant in comparatively warm and well oxygenated waters of low salinity, suggesting a preference for high energy environment, whereas AABF dominate relatively cold, hypersaline deeper waters with low dissolved oxygen, indicating a low energy environment. The agglutinated foraminifera, Asterorotalids and Nonions dominate shallow water, low salinity regions, whereas the calcareous benthic foraminiferal abundance increases away from the riverine influx regions. Food availability, as estimated from organic carbon abundance in sediments, has comparatively less influence on faunal distribution in the northwestern Bay of Bengal, as compared to dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity. We conclude that the factors associated with freshwater influx affect the distribution of benthic foraminiferal morpho-groups in the northwestern Bay of Bengal and thus it can be used to reconstruct past monsoon intensity from the Bay of Bengal.     

冷泉区底栖有孔虫研究进展

海底冷泉区是海洋能源和生物资源同时富集的一类特殊区域。底栖有孔虫群落及其地球化学组成是海底冷泉区发育的重要指示标志之一。海底冷泉区的底栖有孔虫及其碳同位素研究,对于探讨冷泉演化、评估古冷泉甲烷排放对全球气候变化的影响有重要的研究意义。综述了全球一些主要冷泉区的底栖有孔虫研究方法及其进展,对比了各冷泉区底栖有孔虫群落结构的主要特征及地域差异,评述了冷泉区底栖有孔虫的碳同位素记录特征、影响因素及其对冷泉活动的潜在指示意义,最后提出了南海北部冷泉活动区底栖有孔虫方面的研究展望。     

南海北部秋季活体浮游有孔虫的组成与分布

对2004年9月采自南海北部海区19个站位40个垂直浮游拖网样品中的活体浮游有孔虫进行了定量分析, 探讨了该区秋季现代有孔虫的组成、分布及其影响因素.研究表明, 该区秋季现代浮游有孔虫以热带暖水群落为主, 呈现出明显的区域变化.浮游有孔虫的丰度主要呈西北高、东南低的分布格局.浅层水种G. sacculifer和G. ruber的高含量主要出现在近岸带; N. dutertrei的高含量主要出现在外陆架和陆坡区域; G. menardii的高含量主要出现在深水区域; G. calida和G. aequilateralis两水种的含量分布有明显的相似性, 主要出现在深水区, 在越南岸外站位其含量远高出区域其他站位.研究认为, 南海北部秋季水体浮游有孔虫的分布主要受初级生产力和水深的共同制约, 高初级生产力水平下浮游有孔虫的丰度明显要高, 水深则对中深层水种G. menardii、G. calida和G. aequilateralis的分布有明显的制约作用.南海北部秋季温跃层的温盐结构对中层水种N. dutertrei、G. glutinata、G. calida和G. aequilateralis的分布有一定的影响.此外, 暖涡水体对浮游有孔虫的丰度和组成也有明显影响, 位于暖涡中心区的浮游有孔虫丰度明显增高, 特征属种G. sacculifer的含量明显高出周边站位.P. obliquiloculata的高含量主要出现在东北部黑潮分支影响区.      

Species diversity variations in Neogene deep-sea benthic foraminifera at ODP Hole 730A,western Arabian Sea

Deep-sea benthic foraminifera are an important and widely used marine proxy to understand paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic changes on regional and global scales, owing to their sensitivity to oceanic and climatic turnovers. Some species of benthic foraminifera are sensitive to changes in water mass properties whereas others are sensitive to organic fluxes and deep-sea oxygenation. Benthic faunal diversity has been found closely linked to food web, bottom water oxygen levels, and substrate and water mass stability. The present study is aimed at analyzing species diversity trends in benthic foraminifera and their linkages with Indian monsoon variability during the Neogene. Species diversity of benthic foraminifera is examined in terms of number of species (S), information function (H), equitability (E) and Sanders’ rarefied values, which were combined with relative abundances of high and low productivity benthic foraminifera at Ocean Drilling Program Hole 730A, Oman margin, western Arabian Sea. The Oman margin offers the best opportunity to understand monsoon-driven changes in benthic diversity since summer monsoon winds have greater impact on the study area. The species diversity was higher during the early Miocene Climatic Optimum (～17.2–16.4 Ma) followed by a decrease during 16.4–13 Ma coinciding with a major increase in Antarctic ice volume and increased formation of Antarctic Bottom Water. All the diversity parameters show an increase during 13–11.6 Ma, a gradual decrease during 11.6–9 Ma and then an increase with a maximum at 7 Ma. Thereafter the values show little change until 1.2 Ma when all the parameters abruptly decrease. The benthic foraminiferal populations and diversity at Hole 730A were mainly driven by the Indian monsoon, and polar waters might have played a minor or no role since early Neogene period as the Arabian Sea is an enclosed basin.     

Palaeoenvironmental Changes of the Ancient Nihewan Lake Area—Sr Isotope Evidence from Xiaodukou Foraminifera

By using the improved trace(50μg) Sr isotope analytical method the ^87Sr/^86Sr ratios of Xiaodukou foraminifera fossils were measured,giving a range of 0.71105-0.71274,apparently higher than the value of contemporaneous seawater(0.709087-0.709147)and also slightly higher than the average value of modern Yellow River(0.7111),demonstrating that the contemporaneous environment where Xiaodukou foraminifera inhabited was an inland lake.Detailed analyses of △ Sr values showed that there occurred an event responsible for environmental changes in the ancient Nihewan Lake area during the time(about 1.0Ma ago)when Xiaodukou foraminifera appeared.Because of strong evaporation the salinity of the lake would increase and a regional salt-water of brackish-water lacustrine environment would be produced,thus providing a suitable and inhabitable environment for foraminiferae.It is concluded that Xiaodukou foraminiferal fossil assemblaes belong to non-marine foraminiferal species.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987111001356

A total of 103 surface sediment samples collected from the water depth range of 15—3300 m along Vijaydurg-Karwar stretch of central west coast of India were analyzed for foraminiferal content. Relict benthic foraminiferal assemblage was noted within 50—135 m water depth.The relict benthic foraminiferal assemblage that includes Amphistegina,Operculum and Alveolinetta in sediment samples within the water depth of 85—135 m indicates presence of coral reef at this depth during Early Holocene. The presence of barnacle fouling on Relict foraminifera at 60—90 m confirms the paleo-shoreline. The shallow depth zone is characterized by presence of agglutinated relict foraminifera.The agglutinated forms indicate freshwater influx,which eventually increased the sea level and subsequently deteriorated the paleo-coral reef.     

Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and faunal turnover events during the Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary along the Red Sea Coast, Egypt

Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages from the Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary sedimentary sequence in Quseir (Hammadat section), Safaga (Wasif section) and Esh El-Mellaha (Esh El-Mellaha section) areas along the Red Sea Coast, provide a database for biostratigraphical subdivisions and marking of faunal changes. Ten planktonic foraminiferal zones were found. There are, from base to top, the Late Cretaceous Globotruncana ægyptiaca and Gansserina gansseri Zones and the Early Tertiary Parasubbotina pseudobulloides, Praemurica trinidadensis, P. uncinata, Morozovella angulata, Igorina pusilla, Globanomalina pseudomenardii, Morozovella velascoensis and M. edgari zones.Two intervals of non-deposition of sediments (hiatuses) in the study areas are recorded, indicating tectonic events. The first hiatus occurred all over the study areas near the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary. The second hiatus is restricted to the Late Palæocene of the Safaga area.Two global planktonic foraminiferal faunal turnover events are identified, reflecting major palæoceanographic changes. The faunal turnover event I occurred near the M. angulata/I. pusilla boundary near the Palæocene/Eocene boundary. These turnovers are characterised by the appearance and disappearance of species and changes in relative abundance, diversity and richness of species. Oscillation in the mean sea level in the study areas during the Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary may be related to a true eustatic change in addition to the evidence for local tectonic control.     

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages of late Aptian-early Albian black shale intervals in the Vocontian Basin, SE France

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages were analyzed from three black shale intervals in the upper Aptain to lower Albian of the Vocontian Basin, SE France based on Q-mode principal component analyses. Variations in the distribution patterns of benthic foraminifera around these events suggest differences in the origin of the black shales. Differences between faunas of bioturbated marly and laminated black shale facies have been observed in the Niveau Paquier, Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 1b and Niveau Leenhardt. Here, the faunal composition and plankton/benthos ratios suggest eutrophic conditions during the deposition of organic-rich sediments leading to black shales. No major variations have been observed in black shales of the upper Aptain Niveau Jacob. Benthic assemblages and low plankton/benthos ratios indicate mesotrophic conditions. Third order sea-level changes are believed to control mainly the origin of the investigated black shale levels.     

Bentho-planktonic evidence from the Austrian Alps for a decline in sea-surface carbonate production at the end of the Triassic

A high-resolution micropalaeontological study, combined with geochemical and sedimentological analyses was performed on the Tiefengraben, Schlossgraben and Eiberg sections (Austrian Alps) in order to characterize sea-surface carbonate production during the end-Triassic crisis. At the end-Rhaetian, the dominant calcareous nannofossil Prinsiosphaera triassica shows a decrease in abundance and size and this is correlated with a increase in δ¹⁸O and a gradual decline in δ¹³C_carb values. Simultaneously, benthic foraminiferal assemblages show a decrease in diversity and abundance of calcareous taxa and a dominance of infaunal agglutinated taxa. The smaller size of calcareous nannofossils disturbed the vertical export balance of the biological carbon pump towards the sea-bottom, resulting in changes in feeding strategies within the benthic foraminiferal assemblages from deposit feeders to detritus feeders and bacterial scavengers. These micropalaeontological data combined with geochemical proxies suggest that changes in seawater chemistry and/or cooling episodes might have occurred in the latest Triassic, leading to a marked decrease of carbonate production. This in turn culminated in the quasi-absence of calcareous nannofossils and benthic foraminifers in the latest Triassic. The aftermath (latest Triassic earliest Jurassic) was characterised by abundance peaks of “disaster” epifaunal agglutinated foraminifera Trochammina on the sea-floor. Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) paroxysmal activity, superimposed on a major worldwide regressive phase, is assumed to be responsible for a deterioration in marine palaeoenvironments. CAMP sulfuric emissions might have been the trigger for cooling episodes and seawater acidification leading to disturbance of the surface carbonate production at the very end-Triassic.     

Variation on Foraminiferal Composition in Cretaceous Black-Gray-Red Bed Sequence of Southern Tibet, China

An Upper Cretaceous black-gray-red bed sequence was deposited in the Tethys-Himalayan Sea where abundant foraminifera, especially planktons, were yielded. In the shallow shelf to the upper slope on the north margin of Indian plate was recorded an extinction-recovery-radiation cycle of foraminiferal fauna highly sensitive to paleoceanographical changes. The black unit, consisting of the Late Cenomanian-earliest Turonian beds, displays a major extinction, with keeled planktonic and many benthic species as the principal victims at the end of the Cenomanian when existed only low diversity, sin-face water-dwelling foraminifera. The gray unit spans a long-term recovery interval from the Turonian to the early Santonian with keeled planktonic foraminifera returning stepwise to the water colunm. The planktonic biota in the red unit, extremely abundant, indicate a biotic radiation during the Late Santonian and the Early Campanian, implying that the high oxygen levels had returned to all the oceanic depth levels,and that the water stratification disappeared, followed by the radiation of all depth-dwellers. The variation on foraminiferal faunas from the whole sequence refers to the extreme warm climate that appeared in the Middle Cretaceous and to the declined temperature toward the late epoch. Substantial deposits for this warming and cooling zones represent the black shales in the Middle Cretaceous and the red beds in the later period of the southern Tibet. The change in the foraminiferal composition corresponded to the formation of dysaerobic facies and to the development of high-oxidized circumstances.     

Planktic foraminiferal and 13C isotopic changes across the Paleocene/Eocene boundary at Possagno (Italy)

 The interval spanning the Paleocene–Eocene (P/E) transition in the Possagno section consists of 1 m of red marls, including a 4-cm-thick, dark-red "dissolution" clay, which represents the Paleocene/Eocene boundary event. The Possagno section is much more condensed than other Tethyan and North Atlantic sections previously studied; however, in this section the most significant biotic, isotopic and sedimentological events across the P/E boundary can be recognized. The Possagno section spans the following planktic foraminiferal subzones: upper part of M. gracilis Subzone, A. berggreni Subzone, A. sibaiyaensis Subzone and probably lowermost part of P. wilcoxensis Subzone. The quantitative analysis indicates a major increase of low-latitude acarininids, including compressed tropical acarininids just above the boundary clay. This acarininid incursion begins just below the boundary clay but reaches its maximum just above the clay. The planktic foraminiferal faunal turnover is gradual except for the acarininid incursion. The isotopic results show a negative excursion in ∂¹³C values at the small benthic foraminifera mass extinction event. The acarininid maximum diversity coincides with this isotopic excursion, and reflects an increase in surface seawater temperature. Despite being very condensed, the Possagno section allows us to further confirm that the different biotic, isotopic and sedimentological events recognized in the Spanish sections (Alamedilla, Campo, Caravaca, Zumaya) are not local in nature and allows the establishment of a detailed chronostratigraphic framework to define the P/E boundary stratotype. Received: 8 April 1998 / Accepted: 12 April 1999     

Reappraisal of early Paleogene CCD curves: foraminiferal assemblages and stable carbon isotopes across the carbonate facies of Perth Abyssal Plain

Bulk carbonate content, planktic and benthic foraminiferal assemblages, stable isotope compositions of bulk carbonate and Nuttallides truempyi (benthic foraminifera), and non-carbonate mineralogy were examined across ∼30 m of carbonate-rich Paleogene sediment at Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 259, on Perth Abyssal Plain off Western Australia. Carbonate content, mostly reflecting nannofossil abundance, ranges from 3 to 80% and generally exceeds 50% between 35 and 57 mbsf. A clay-rich horizon with a carbonate content of about 37% occurs between 55.17 and 55.37 mbsf. The carbonate-rich interval spans planktic foraminiferal zones P4c to P6b (∼57–52 Ma), with the clay-rich horizon near the base of our Zone P5 (upper)—P6b. Throughout the studied interval, benthic species dominate foraminiferal assemblages, with scarce planktic foraminifera usually of poor preservation and limited species diversity. A prominent Benthic Foraminiferal Extinction Event (BFEE) occurs across the clay-rich horizon, with an influx of large Acarinina immediately above. The δ¹³C records of bulk carbonate and N. truempyi exhibit trends similar to those observed in upper Paleocene–lower Eocene (∼57–52 Ma) sediment from other locations. Two successive decreases in bulk carbonate and N. truempyi δ¹³C of 0.5 and 1.0‰ characterize the interval at and immediately above the BFEE. Despite major changes in carbonate content, foraminiferal assemblages and carbon isotopes, the mineralogy of the non-carbonate fraction consistently comprises expanding clay, heulandite (zeolite), quartz, feldspar (sodic or calcic), minor mica, and pyrolusite (MnO₂). The uniformity of this mineral assemblage suggests that Site 259 received similar non-carbonate sediment before, during and after pelagic carbonate deposition. The carbonate plug at Site 259 probably represents a drop in the CCD from ∼57 to 52–51 Ma, as also recognized at other locations.     

Biostratigraphy of a Paleocene-Eocene Foreland Basin boundary in southern Tibet

<正>This study of the Paleocene—Eocene boundary within a foreland basin of southern Tibet, which was dominated by a carbonate ramp depositional environment,documents more complex environmental conditions than can be derived from studies of the deep oceanic environment.Extinction rates for larger foraminiferal species in the Zongpu-1 Section apply to up to 46%of the larger foraminiferal taxa. The extinction rate in southern Tibet is similar to rates elsewhere in the world,but it shows that the Paleocene fauna disappeared stepwise through the Late Paleocene,with Eocene taxa appearing abruptly above the boundary.A foraminifera turnover was identified between Members 3 and 4 of the Zongpu Formation—from the Miscellanea—Daviesina assemblage to an Orbitolites—Alveolina assemblage.The Paleocene and Eocene boundary is between the SBZ 4 and SBZ 5,where it is marked by the extinction of Miscellanea miscella and the first appearance of Alveolina ellipsodalis and a large number of Orbitolites. Chemostratigraphically,theδ~(13)C values from both the Zongpu-1 and Zongpu-2 Sections show three negative excursions in the transitional strata,one in Late Paleocene,one at the boundary,and one in the early Eocene.The second negative excursion ofδ~(13),which is located at the P—E boundary,coincides with larger foraminifera overturn.These faunal changes and the observedδ~(13)C negative excursions provide new evidence on environmental changes across the Paleocene—Eocene boundary in Tibet.     

古近纪重大气候事件及其生物响应

古近纪气候演化是由“温室气候”向“冰室气候”转变的过程,大致可划分为3个阶段:古新世-始新世早期的升温期,始新世中期-始新世末期的稳定降温期及渐新世-中新世早期的冰室气候期.在此期间发生了3次显著的气候事件,分别为PETM极热事件、Oi-1骤冷事件和Mi-1降温事件.这3次大的气候事件引起了生物圈的巨大波动:PETM期间发生了全球底栖大有孔虫灭绝事件及浮游有孔虫的辐射演化,并且是哺乳动物演化的关键时期;Oi-1期间全球植物群落由热带型密集雨林向寒冷干燥的森林草原过渡,在欧亚大陆出现了哺乳动物种群大规模改变的Grande Coupure和Mongolian Remodelling事件,也发生热水型浮游及底栖有孔虫的灭绝事件;Mi-1前后,浮游有孔虫部分属种绝灭,钙质超微化石也出现暖水种数量的急剧减少,现代植物群落在这一时期开始形成.古近纪气候的大幅波动和转折由诸多因素控制,主流观点认为PETM事件与天然气水合物的大量释放有关,但其喷发机制尚不明确;降温事件则与区域性构造隆升、洋流榕局变化等因素有关.     

Paleoenvironmental evolution of the Paratethys in the Slovenian Basin during the Late Paleogene

Several sections from the uppermost Eocene and Oligocene of northern Slovenia have been investigated with respect to sedimentary facies, foraminiferal assemblages, stable isotopes, carbonate microfacies, and palynology. The main objective was to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental history of the Paleogene Paratethys in this region of the eastern Alpine realm. The sediments exhibit a transgressive succession beginning with conglomerates, sandstones, and mudstones of fluvial and lacustrine origin followed by carbonates and muddy marls indicating marine conditions. The foraminiferal faunal changes from brackish to shallow marine to deeper marine assemblages and the distribution of the palynofloras corroborate the sedimentological results. Microfacies analysis of the limestones shows a wide variation of shallow water, generally mud-rich facies dominated by coralline algae, foraminifera, and corals. Microfaunas adapted to low-oxygen conditions indicate temporal sluggish bottom-water circulation which can be associated with high fresh-water fluxes. These results are discussed as reflecting both the global sea-level rise during the Early Oligocene and the regional tectonic and climatic evolution.     

Benthic foraminiferal response to changes in mining pattern: a case study from the Zuari estuary,Goa, India

Being sensitive to environmental changes, foraminifera have been extensively used to monitor pollution level in the marine environment, including the effect of mining in coastal areas. In the Goa state of India, the rejects from opencast mining on land largely find their way to the estuaries, as washout during monsoon. Additionally, the Mormugao Port at the mouth of the Zuari estuary is the hub of activities due to the transport of ore from hinterland areas by barges and its subsequent loading for export. On the directive of the Supreme Court of India, all the mining-related activities abruptly stopped throughout India, including that in Goa in 2012, and got reinstated in 2015. Therefore, it provided a fit case to test the effectiveness of benthic foraminifera as an indicator of environmental impact due to mining activities. A total of ten surface sediment samples from five locations in Zuari estuary were collected from a depth range of 4.5–8.5 m in the years of 2013 and 2016 and were analyzed for both the living (stained) and dead benthic foraminifera. The year 2013 represents a time interval immediately after the closure of extensive mining activity, and the sampling during 2016 represents minimal mining. The living benthic foraminiferal abundance was higher (19–54/g sediment) during 2013 and decreased substantially during 2016 (3–22/g sediment), suggesting an adverse effect of activities associated with mine closure on benthic foraminifera. Additionally, the relative abundance of Ammonia was also significantly low during the year 2016. The temporal variation in dead foraminifera was, however, different than that of the living foraminifera. The differential response was attributed to the terrigenous dilution as a result of change in sedimentation rate. Therefore, we conclude that living foraminifera correctly incorporate the changes in mining pattern and may be used as an effective tool to monitor the impact of mining. We further suggest that the potential counter effect of terrigenous dilution on total and living benthic foraminiferal population should be considered while interpreting temporal variations in foraminiferal abundance in marginal marine settings.     

Stratigraphy and ecostratigraphic distribution of foraminiferal morphogroups from the Upper Jurassic of the Makar’yev section (Unzha River,Volga River basin)

Investigation of the Upper Callovian to Lower Kimmeridgian microfossils from the Makar’yev reference section (Unzha River, East European Platform) has been carried out. The section is characterized by ammonite debris and abundant associations of benthic and planktic foraminifers. It is a perfect object for stratigraphic and paleoecological researches. The biostratigraphic distribution of foraminifers from the Makar’yev section allows one to identify standard foraminifera zones of the East European Platform, as well as to upgrade some of them. The analysis of vertical and lateral ammonites and foraminiferal distribution, completed with litho stratigraphy, has precised the stratigraphic volume and position of boundaries of several lithological units.An improved stratigraphic scheme for the Kostroma area of the Moscow Depression is proposed. Analysis of the composition, structure, and dynamic changes of the foraminiferal assemblages has been performed. The morphofunctional analysis of foraminiferal genera has for the first time identified how foraminiferal morphogroups differing in their life style and feeding strategy varied with short-term paleoenvironmental changes. These morphogroup changes allow establishing four ecostratigraphic levels. These paleoecological data have been calibrated along with geochemical factors. They have shown a crisis of foraminiferal association during the Late Oxfordian and Early Kimmeridgian. A similar crisis has also been discovered in the north of Siberia, which may be an argument for its global distribution. The analysis of the taxonomic composition and the density of foraminiferal associations, in parallel with the structure of the association, has revealed a succession of transgressive and regressive events during the Late Callovian-Early Kimmeridgian. It allows the typification of each assemblage in relation with each event and underlines the occurrence of second-order sea-level fluctuations (middle part of the Middle Oxfordian and the earliest Kimmeridgian).     

Secondary Calcification of Planktic Foraminifera from the Indian Sector of Southern Ocean

This study focused on planktic foraminifera in plankton tows and surface sediments from the western Indian sector of Southern Ocean in order to evaluate the potential foraminiferal secondary calcification and/or dissolution in the sediment. It is found that the symbiotic foraminiferal species are abundant in the subtropical region, whereas non-symbiotic species dominate in the sub-Antarctic and polar frontal regions. The distribution of the symbiotic and non-symbiotic foraminiferal species is controlled by temperature, salinity, light, nutrients and phytoplankton biomass. There is also a lateral southern extent in abundance of planktic foraminifera from surface sediments to plankton tows. The shell weights of the planktic foraminifera N. pachyderma, G. bulloides and G. ruber within the surface sediments are on an average heavier by 27%, 34% and 40% respectively than shells of the same size within the plankton tows, indicative of secondary calcification. The planktic foraminiferal isotopes show the presence of heavier isotopes in the surface sediment foraminifera as compared to plankton tows, thus confirming secondary calcification. Secondary calcification in G. ruber occurs in the euphotic zone, whereas in case of N. pachyderma and G. bulloides it is at deeper depths. We also observed a decrease in the shell spines in surface sediment foraminifera as compared to plankton tows, indicative of the morphological changes that foraminifera underwent during gametogenesis.