Sediment traps as a new tool for estimation of longevity of planktonic foraminifera

Abstract

Sediment trap technique provides time series data of sinking particles (faunal and sediment) from surface to bottom of the sea. Besides many other applications, data can also be used to estimate life span of planktonic foraminifera. Based on rearing experiments, life spans of few weeks were proposed for planktonic foraminifera by earlier researchers. Reanalysis of the results of sediment traps deployed in the Arabian Sea (during 1986-87) indicated the life spans of planktonic foraminifera to be approx. 6 months. A fresh approach is required to confirm this hypothesis. If confirmed, the findings will have far reaching implications in paleoclimatic reconstructions.