Abstract
We analysed 70 surface sediment samples collected in the southern Indian Ocean in order to document the distribution of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages. These organic-walled micro-organisms have a greater potential for preservation than carbonate or silicate microfossils. A total of 53 dinoflagellate cyst taxa were identified, and two new endemic species are described: Selenopemphix antarctica sp. nov. and Impagidinium variaseptum sp. nov. Dominant taxa allowed the recognition of assemblages which show a latitudinal distribution. The circum-Antarctic domain is characterized by assemblages dominated by S. Antarctica sp. nov. and accompanied by I. pallidum. The Subantarctic domain is marked by the dominance of Brigantedinium spp. accompanied by Nematosphaeropsis labyrinthus. The Subtropical domain shows high species diversity, taxa dominance varying along onshore to offshore gradient: the neritic assemblage is dominated by Brigantedinium spp., and Spiniferites spp., the outer neritic is characterized by Operculodinium centrocarpum and the oceanic assemblage is dominated by N. labyrinthus. Principal component analysis illustrates that the distribution of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages is controlled by temperature and salinity. Transfer functions based on the best analogues method are developed to reconstruct past sea-surface conditions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
