Ecology and distribution of foraminifers of a traverse in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Author

Faiz Nassir Thomas

Abstract

"Foraminiferal populations have been analyzed from five bottom samples along a traverse in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, approximately 27⁰20' to 97⁰15' north latitude and 97⁰20' to 97⁰05' west longitude. Eighty-eight species and twenty-nine genera, belonging to eighteen families, were recorded. Species were identified and described.

Statistical studies indicate that probably five benthonic foraminiferal depth facies could be recognized in the area at the following approximate depths: 4 fathoms, 4-8 fathoms, 8-12 fathoms, 12-16 fathoms, and 16-20 fathoms. Determination of facies is based largely on the range of species. The frequency distribution of species of foraminifers was plotted against change in depth. The faunal trend could not be correlated with physical conditions other than change in depth; perhaps such a trend will be found to correlate with salinity, light penetration and turbidity condition.

The wet volume percentage of foraminifers in the sediment and species diversity were found to increase away from shore. The percentage of arenaceous foraminifers also increased offshore. Planktonic formainifers were lacking in the samples, except for a single specimen of Globigerinoides ruber d'Orbigny which was found at a depth of 20 fathoms"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.

Advisor(s)

Spreng, Alfred C., 1923-2012

Committee Member(s)

Rupert, Gerald B., 1930-2016
Morgan, Ray E., 1908-1997
Grigoropoulos, Sotirios G.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology

Publisher

University of Missouri at Rolla

Publication Date

1966

Pagination

v, 84 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 81-83).

Geographic Coverage

Gulf of Mexico

Rights

© 1966 Faiz Nassir Thomas, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Foraminifera -- Mexico, Gulf ofForaminifera -- Ecology -- Mexico, Gulf ofForaminifera -- Mexico, Gulf of -- Geographical distribution

Thesis Number

T 1852

Print OCLC #

5973164

Electronic OCLC #

896828191

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Faiz Nassir, "Ecology and distribution of foraminifers of a traverse in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico" (1966). Masters Theses. 5734.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/5734