Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Geography, Geology, and Anthropology
First Advisor
Anthony E. Rathburn
Second Advisor
Sandra Brake
Third Advisor
Jennifer Latimer
Abstract
The geochemistry (stable isotopes and Lracc clements) or living (sLaincd) calcareous benthic foraminifera was compared with ambient botlom water stable isotope values to provide modern analog conditions and calibrations for environmental and paleoenvironmental assessments. Stable isotope values of live (stained) bcnthic foraminifera were investigated from push core and multicorer samples from the North Pacific (on the Aleutian margin, water depth 1988m) and the South Australian Bight (water depth 2476m and 1634m). Living benthic foraminifera specimens collected from contaminated sites in the Venice Lagoon were analyzed for trace elements. Both the isotopic and the trace element study involved interpretation of modern live foraminiferal chemical responses to different environments. The isotope analyses of Jiving foraminifcra from the North Pacific and the South Australian Bight provide calibration information for the evaluation of bottom water temperature and circulation of ancient ocecins based on fossil foraminiferal geochemistry. Trace element concentrations of Venice Lagoon foraminifera were used to assess the possibility of using foraminiferal geochemistry as a pollution indicator.
Recommended Citation
Basak, Chandranath, "Geochemistry of Benthic Foraminifera as an Environmental Indicator: A Study From Multiple Hydrographic Regimes" (2006). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3222.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3222