MARECHIARA-phytoplankton long-term time-series (1984-2006) at the fixed coastal station in the Gulf of Naples, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

The "MARECHIARA-phytoplankton" dataset contains phytoplankton data collected in the ongoing time-series at Stn MC ( 40°48.5' N, 14°15' E) in the Gulf of Naples. This dataset spans over the period 1984-2006 and contains data of phytoplankton species composition and abundance. Phytoplankton sampling was regularly conducted from January 1984 till July 1991 and in 1995-2006. Sampling was interrupted from August 1991 till January 1995. The sampling frequency was fortnightly till 1991 and weekly since 1995. Phytoplankton samples were collected at 0.5 m depth using Niskin bottles and immediately fixed with formaldehyde (0.8-1.6% final concentration) for species identification and counts.

Cenozoic nannofossils from the Exmouth Plateau, eastern Indian Ocean

Six sites (759-764) were drilled on the Exmouth Plateau during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 122. Nannofossilrich Cenozoic sediments were recovered at all six sites, reflecting the open-ocean conditions that prevailed over the Exmouth Plateau during the Cenozoic. Calcareous nannofossils are abundant, diverse (250 different species identified), and generally well preserved throughout the composite lower Paleocene to Quaternary section. The diversity and preservation of nannofossils permits a high degree of stratigraphic resolution at each site. Site 762 on the central part of the Exmouth Plateau contains an almost unbroken Cenozoic record (only Miocene Zones NN3, NN8, and NN10 are missing). This site may prove to be a useful Cenozoic biostratigraphic and biomagnetochronologic reference section for the eastern Indian Ocean.

Calcareous nannofossils in ODP Sites 135-840 and 135-841

Ocean Drilling Program Leg 135 drilled at two sites on the Tonga Ridge. Calcareous nannofossils recovered at Site 840 on the Tonga Ridge date the sedimentary sequence as late Pleistocene or Holocene (CN15) through late Miocene (CN9) in age. A hiatus occurs in the mid Pliocene. Site 841 in the Tonga Trench yielded a sedimentary sequence with nannofossils from middle Pleistocene Subzone CN14b through the middle or late Eocene Subzones CP14a-CP15b overlying a rhyolitic volcanic basement. Part of the Eocene interval contains the shallow-water nannofossil taxa Braarudosphaera, Micrantholithus, and Pemma. A major unconformity separates lower Oligocene Zone CP 16 from lower middle Miocene Zone CN4 strata.

Paleogene calcareous nannofossil stratigraphy of ODP Leg 120 sites

Calcareous nannofossils are abundant in the Paleogene sediments recovered during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 120. Although no continuous Paleogene section was obtained, Sites 747 through 751 complemented each other so as to provide a virtually complete composite stratigraphic section. The calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy at Sites 747, 748, and 749 is discussed. Correlation of calcareous nannofossil biozones and magnetozones at these sites suggests some diachrony with low-latitude areas, as well as on a regional basis. Changes in calcareous nannofossil diversity throughout the Paleogene are analyzed and interpreted as reflecting major paleoclimatic events.