Abstract
A recent test has shown that planktonic foraminifera, living for at least part of their life in the surface waters of the oceans, are limited to certain temperature zones. Since their evolution has been relatively slow, their calcareous remains, which accumulate on the deep-sea floor, can be analysed in samples taken from cores and temperature oscillations can be traced into the past by the percentage of warm, temperate and cold forms. It has been demonstrated that a count of a thousand specimens in each sample is all that is necessary to obtain these results.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kullenerg, B.: The piston core sampler. Svenska hydrogr. biol. Komm. Skr. (3, Hydr.) 1, 2, pp. 1–46, 1947.
Ovey, C. D.: On the interpretation of climatic variations as revealed by a study of samples from an equatorial deep-sea core. Centenary Proc. Roy. Met. Soc., London, pp. 211–215, 1950.
Petterson, H.: The Swedish Deep-sea Expedition. Pacific Science2, pp. 231–8, 1948.
Phillipi, E.: Die Grundproben der Deutschen Südpolarexpedition 1901 bis 1903. Dtsch. Südpolar-Exp. 2, 6 (Geogr. Geol.), pp. 411–416, 1910.
Wiseman, J. D. H., andC. D. Ovey: Recent investigations on the deep-sea floor. Proc. Geol. Assoc., London,61, pp. 28–84, 1950.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ovey, C.D. On the validity and use of planktonic foraminifera in the interpretation of past climatic changes from a study of deep-sea cores. Geol Rundsch 40, 31–33 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01803205
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01803205