Foraminifera of the Minas Basin and their Distributions

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-one samples of surficial sediments from all parts of the Minas Basin are analysed for foraminiferal content. Thirty-nine species are identified and described and maps of distribution are presented.

This survey represents the first study of its kind in this area, and so establishes a much-needed baseline for further foraminiferal work in the Minas Basin.

It is found that the distributions of the species may be primarily controlled either by the strength of the test of each species or by the swift removal of fragile forms from certain areas. Species with robust or attached tests are usually widespread in the study area, while those with thin, fragile tests are characteristically more restricted to lower-energy areas of the Minas Basin, such as the shallow-water near shore areas.

Keywords: Pages: 125 Supervisor: Franco Medioli