Intertidal and Shallow-Water Foraminifera of Tropical Pacific Ocean: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Intertidal and shallow-water sediment samples from the tropical Pacific Ocean were studied and a quantitative analysis made of their constituents. The foraminiferal components exhibit both eurytopic and stenotopic distribution patterns. Seven methods of dispersal are listed and analyzed to help explain the eurytopic patterns. Hypotheses based on dispersal methods and fluctuations in populations are advanced to explain the stenotopic and sporadic fossil and recent occurrences of two important foraminiferal genera, Tinoporus (Calcarina) and Baculogypsina. An examination of the beach sands shows that although calcite, igneous, and metamorphic grains are the principal components in the majority of the samples, foraminiferal tests commonly comprise over 30 per cent of the sand The remaining constituents are usually less than 1 per cent of the total. The analysis of the shallow-water Foraminifera from Johnson Island indicates that certain species have high numerical values in restricted areas. These occurrences are similar to those of the same species in the shallow waters of other islands. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1763------------