foraminiferenanalyse

Foraminiferenanalyse, often shortened to foraminifera analysis, is a scientific method used to study foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms that produce shells or "tests". These tests are typically made of calcium carbonate and are found in marine and estuarine environments worldwide. The analysis of foraminifera is valuable for several reasons, primarily in paleoceanography and paleoecology.

By examining fossilized foraminifera found in sediment cores, scientists can reconstruct past environmental conditions. Different species of foraminifera have specific habitat preferences, including salinity, temperature, and water depth. Therefore, the types and abundance of foraminifera found in a sediment layer indicate the conditions that existed when that layer was deposited. This allows for the creation of detailed timelines of past oceanographic changes, such as shifts in ocean currents, sea level fluctuations, and climate variations.

Furthermore, the isotopic composition of the calcium carbonate in foraminifera tests can provide direct information about past ocean temperatures and the isotopic composition of seawater. Oxygen isotopes, for instance, are widely used to determine past temperatures, while carbon isotopes can offer insights into the carbon cycle and ocean productivity. Foraminiferenanalyse is a crucial tool for understanding Earth's climate history and predicting future environmental changes.