Study of Ecology and Distribution of Recent Foraminifera in Northwestern Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eight different stations in the Gulf of Mexico from 3 to 3300 feet in depth are studied in detail in an attempt to group the Foraminiferal assemblages found at each station into useful ecologic indicators. It was found that four ecological provinces exist out to the bottom edge of the continental slope: 1) beach and nearshore environment; 2) continental shelf; 3) continental slope; and 4) a shallow, clear, warm-water, calcareous environment (found on Stetson Bank). These environments are controlled by a combination of chemical and physical factors, including depth of water, temperature, salinity, food supply, chemical effects, turbidity, biologic competition, currents, and circulation. The benthonic Foraminifera are the most reliable ecological indicators but a more detailed ecological framework can be ascertained by the use of both benthonic and planktonic Foraminifera.