Recent benthic foraminiferal distribution and related environmental factors in Ezcurra Inlet, King George Island, Antarctica

This investigation attempts to determine which environmental parameters of the bottom water and sediment control recent foraminifera fauna at Ezcurra Inlet (King George Island, Antarctica), using data collected during four summers (2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2006/07). The study revealed that Ezcurra Inlet contain typical Antarctic foraminifera fauna with three distinct assemblages and few differences in environmental parameters. The species Bolivina pseudopunctata, Fursenkoina fusiformis, Portatrochammina antarctica, and Adercotryma glomerata were abundant in the samples. An elevated abundance, richness and diversity were common at the entrance of the inlet at depths greater than 55 m, where the inlet was characterized by low temperatures and muddy sand. In the inner part of the inlet (depth 30-55 m), richness and diversity were low and the most significant species were Cassidulinoides parkerianus, C. porrectus, and Psammosphaera fusca. Shallow waters showed low values of richness and abundance and high temperatures coupled with coarser sediment. In areas with high suspended matter concentrations and pH values associated with low salinity the most representative species were Hippocrepinella hirudinea and Hemisphaerammina bradyi.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa)[550349/2002-2]

CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa)[558472/2005-2]

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

PROANTAR

PROANTAR

Brazilian Navy

Brazilian Navy

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

CAPES (Coordenadoria de aperfeicoamento ao pessoal de Nivel Superior)