Abstract
We investigated the total (live + dead) benthic foraminiferal fauna from six Svalbard fjords, European Arctic. The fauna relates to various environmental variables including properties of the water masses, influence of nearby glaciers, and surface sediment characteristics. Six benthic foraminiferal assemblages are distinguished. Two of these are dominated by arenaceous species. These arenaceous faunas, which mainly occupy the mid and outer fjords, include an Adercotryma glomerata assemblage related to Atlantic Water and an as yet unexplained Alveolophragmium crassimargo assemblage. Four calcareous assemblages are identified. Cold bottom waters in the inner fjords are characterized by a Cassidulina reniforme assemblage. This assemblage and an Elphidium excavatum f. clavata assemblage dominate the foraminiferal fauna near glacier termini; a Cibicides lobatulus assemblage relates to coarse sediments and high energy environments; and a Nonionellina labradorica assemblage dominates the deepedouter parts of the fjords, related to Atlantic Water.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
