Assessing the environmental significance of benthic foraminiferal morpho-groups from the northern high latitudinal regions

Abstract

The spatial distribution of benthic foraminiferal morpho-groups has been documented from the Kongsfjorden-Krossfjorden, to assess its environmental significance. Benthic foraminiferal abundance increases from the inner-most fjord towards the mouth in Kongsfjorden. The calcareous forms dominate the benthic foraminiferal population in Kongsfjorden as compared to Krossfjorden. The agglutinated benthic foraminifera are relatively more abundant in Krossfjorden. The rounded symmetrical benthic foraminifera are the dominant morpho-group, due to the high energy conditions and generally well-oxygenated waters. A significant positive correlation between the relative abundance of rounded symmetrical benthic foraminifera and water depth, however, suggests the influence of factors other than turbulence. A more significant positive correlation is observed between the relative abundance of agglutinated rounded symmetrical benthic foraminifera and water depth. The relative abundance of calcareous angular asymmetrical benthic foraminifera is significantly negatively correlated with water depth. The significant correlation between foraminiferal parameters and water depth, suggests that melt-water and glacial calving, as well as associated changes in the sedimentation rate, grain size, pH and organic carbon, affect benthic foraminifera in high latitudinal fjords. The difference in the surface distribution of calcareous and agglutinated benthic foraminiferal morpho-groups implies their differential response to ambient conditions.