Abstract
When the effects of differential dissolution are excluded, the benthic to planktonic ratio in deep-sea foraminifera can be read as a productivity index. For pelagic conditions we use the BZ index, which is the product of the benthic/planktonic ratio in percent, and the depth of deposition (which controls supply of organic matter). For hemipelagic conditions, we use BZ × √D, which is the product of the BZ value and a factor for proximity to the shore (square root of distance from land), which controls coastal productivity. Anomalous values readily stand out from the normal populations which cluster around typical values of BZ or BZ × √D. Off northwest Africa, wherever calcite dissolution can be excluded as a factor because of presence of aragonite, these anomalies are due to lateral supply of redeposited organic matter.
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