RECENT BENTHIC FORAMINIFERS FROM THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SHELF OF ARGENTINA

MARIO MANSILLA; CUSMINSKY GABRIELA; BERNASCONI EMILIANA

JOURNAL OF FORAMINIFERAL RESEARCH

CUSHMAN FOUNDATION FORAMINIFERAL RES

Año: 2018 p. 210 - 222

0096-1191

The aim of this study was to determine foraminiferal associations from recent sediments of Argentina?s continental shelf (39?41ºS, 59?61ºW; 11?70 m) and assess their relationship to physicochemical parameters. From 20 samples, all dominated by sandy sediments (>80% sand), 44 species of foraminifers were identified, most commonly Buccella peruviana. Recovered foraminiferal tests were generally well preserved, with morphologies indicating predominantly epifaunal, free-living detritivores from well-oxygenated waters. Multivariate analyses showed a strong correlation between foraminiferal assemblages and four zones related to physicochemical parameters. Zone I included the offshore samples from depths of 40?70 m where waters were slightly colder and more saline. Zone II samples were all collected from depths of 30?40 m that were intermediate in temperature. Zone III occurred at 20?40 m depth where sediments were characterized by some gravel content. Zone IV included the inshore sites (