The composition of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages varies with depth in the upper few hundred feet of the present oceans. Empirical data show similar composition variations for early Miocene planktonic foraminiferal assemblages in the south Louisiana subsurface. Two variables most closely related to these changes appear to be (1) water temperature as a function of latitude and (2) water temperature as a function of bathymetry. Thus, planktonic foraminiferal assemblage compositions can be used to interpret paleobathymetry of marine strata at least as old as early Miocene.

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