Influence of surface ocean density on planktonic foraminifera calcification.

ABSTRACT: This study provides evidence that ambient seawater density influences calcification and may account for the observed planktonic foraminifera shell mass increase during glacial times. Volumes of weighed fossil Globigerina bulloides shells were accurately determined using X-ray Computer Tomography and were combined with water density reconstructions from Mg/Ca and δ¹⁸O measurements to estimate the buoyancy force exerted on each shell. After assessment of dissolution effects, the resulting relationship between shell mass and buoyancy suggests that heavier shells would need to be precipitated in glacial climates in order for these organisms to remain at their optimum living depth, and counterbalance the increased buoyant force of a denser, glacial ocean. Furthermore, the reanalysis

SUBMITTER: Zarkogiannis SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6346091 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature