Mean proloculus size, delta super(13) C and delta super(18) O variations in recent benthic foraminifera from the west coast of India and their climatic implications

Abstract

The interrelationship between mean proloculus size (MPS), delta super(18) O and delta super(13) C vatiations in benthic foraminiferal species Rotalidium annectens and their relation with temperature (T) and salinity (S) have been studied in samples from the inner shelf of the west coast of India. Results show that only MPS is having significant relationship (r =-0.8) with temperature and salinity. Next higher correlation is found between delta super(13) C and T and S (r = 0.51). Intrasample variabilities in delta super(18) O and delta super(13) C are rather high which may be due to disequilibrium isotopic fractionation or probably partial selection of specimens. Climatic implications of the results are discussed and few recommendations are also suggested