A Time-Series Study of Foraminiferal Assemblages of the Plym Estuary, South-West England

Abstract

Monthly samples retrieved from the previously unstudied Plym Estuary, from January 1994 to November 1994, were analysed for living and dead Foraminifera. An assemblage composed of three hyaline species; Haynesina germanica, Elphidium williamsoni and Ammonia beccarii var. batavus, was identified. Further samples were taken to assess depth distribution, microdistribution and lateral distribution, to compliment the original sample suite. A comparison of the dead assemblage to the live assemblage revealed similar species proportions in both assemblages, reduced test abundance in the dead assemblage, and the presence of rare estuarine and marine species in the dead assemblage. This study has revealed a complex interplay of species resulting in several foraminiferal blooms throughout the year; the largest occurring in May.