Abstract
The Eocene-Pliocene deep sea ostracodes from the ODP site 744A (Kerguelen Plateau) are herein studied under the taxonomic and paleoecologic aspects. 28 species are identified, being the genera Krithe, Cytherella and Dutoitella the most diversified. A faunal threshold was recorded in the Early Oligocene, which is tentatively explained under the knowledge of the paleoceanographical studies carried out not only in the Kerguelen Plateau but also in adjacent areas. The faunal turnover and variations in both richness and abundance possibly reflect the inception of psychrosphere and the influence of hydrological changes in the preservation of carapaces. Moreover, the influence of those changes on carbonate preservation is discussed as the cause of faunal impoverishment in the upper portion of the core.
Highlights
Deep sea ostracode research has developed significantly in the last few decades, with improved taxonomic, ecologic and zoogeographic information
The Cenozoic deep sea ostracodes have their origin from Late Cretaceous shallow water stocks (Benson 1975)
The ostracode incidence decreases from the bottom to the top of the section, being the peak of abundance and richness between the Late Eocene and the Early Oligocene
Summary
Deep sea ostracode research has developed significantly in the last few decades, with improved taxonomic, ecologic and zoogeographic information. The Cenozoic deep sea ostracodes have their origin from Late Cretaceous shallow water stocks (Benson 1975) According to this author, a worldwide faunal change at approximately 40 Ma established an oceanic psychrosphere, which influenced the evolution of fau-. The Eocene-Oligocene Period experienced an accelerated global cooling that influenced ocean circulation, productivity and sedimentation of oceanic basins (Zachos et al 2001a, Pälike et al 2006). Climatic events in this interval record mainly the establishment of oceanic gateways and the beginning of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (Diekmann et al 2004).
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