Assessment of Diatom and Radiolarian High- and Low-Latitude Zonations in Northwest Pacific Sediments: Comparison Based Upon Magnetostratigraphy

Abstract

Sediments recovered by the hydraulic piston corer at three northwest Pacific sites (Sites 578, 579, and 580; Fig. 1) have a relatively high accumulation rate (> 30 m/m.y.) and contain a detailed paleomagnetic record. This makes it possible to examine the various biostratigraphic datum levels used in low-and high-latitude siliceous floral/faunal zona-tions in this transitional setting in order to determine which zonal scheme or combination of schemes provides the most reliable biostratigraphic information for the Neogene and Quaternary in this region of the North Pacific.