Abstract
Abstract. Taxonomic composition and quantitative distribution of calcareous nannofossils in the nothern and central parts of the South China Sea were studied in 146 samples of surface sediments taken from estuary, continental shelf, continental slope and deep-water basin. This paper reports distribution patterns of nannofossils in the area, including nannofossil abundance, species, assemblages and specimen size. Abundance increases from shelf to slope, with a decrease from the lower part of the slope towards the abyssal plain. The assemblages are dominated by Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Florisphaera profunda. Ecologically the effects of water temperature, and nutrient inputs can be detected in the distribution of nannofossils, while dilution by terrigenous materials and deep sea carbonate dissolution influence the sedimentological aspect of the samples. The composition of the South China Sea nannofossil assemblage enables it to be grouped with the central zone of the North Pacific in biogeographic zonations of nannoplankton.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
