Abstract
Abstract. Mass estimates for Late Miocene and Pliocene (8.6–3.25 Ma) Discoaster species and Sphenolithus are determined using samples of the equatorial Atlantic (Ceara Rise: ODP Site 927). Based on morphometric measurements, 3D computer models were created for 11 Discoaster species and their volumes calculated. From these, shape factors (ks) were derived to allow calculation of mass for different-sized discoasters and Sphenolithus abies. The mass estimates were then used to calculate the contribution of nannofossils to the total nannofossil carbonate. The discoaster contribution ranges from 10% to 40%, with a decreasing trend through the investigated interval. However, our estimates of total nannofossil carbonate from size-corrected abundance data are consistently 30–50% lower than estimates from grain-size measurement; this suggests that data based on mass estimates need to be interpreted with caution.
Highlights
IntroductIon Since their evolution, calcareous plankton have significantly altered the carbonate cycle and so played an important part in marine biogeochemistry
Mass estimates for Late Miocene and Pliocene (8.6–3.25 Ma) Discoaster species and Sphenolithus are determined using samples of the equatorial Atlantic (Ceara Rise: Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 927)
Our estimates of total nannofossil carbonate from size-corrected abundance data are consistently 30–50% lower than estimates from grainsize measurement; this suggests that data based on mass estimates need to be interpreted with caution
Summary
IntroductIon Since their evolution, calcareous plankton have significantly altered the carbonate cycle and so played an important part in marine biogeochemistry. Abstract – Mass estimates for Late Miocene and Pliocene (8.6–3.25 Ma) Discoaster species and Sphenolithus are determined using samples of the equatorial Atlantic (Ceara Rise: ODP Site 927).
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