Quaternary calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy: the eastern Arctic Ocean record

Abstract

Calcareous nannofossils are heterogeneous groups of calcareous forms in the size range of 1-25 μm. This review considers only coccolithophorids and their usefulness in palaeoclimatological and biostratigraphical reconstruction in the European Arctic Ocean north of 80°N. Most of the studied cores terminate in sediments deposited after oxygen isotope stage 5, though SGC 130 and SGC 132 penetrate older strata. Incursions of nannofossils reflect climatically favourable conditions. The appearance of Coccolithus pelagicus in the study area corresponds roughly with the Holocene. Holocene assemblages are dominated by C. pelagicus and Emiliania huxleyi. Sediments deposited during oxygen isotope stage 5 are recognised by abundant nannofossils of which Gephyrocapsa spp is the commonest taxon. -P.J.Jarvis