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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 55 (1971)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 345

Last Page: 345

Title: Late Pleistocene Biostratigraphy and Paleoclimate of Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Cores: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Paul F. Huddlestun, James P. Kennett

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Studies carried out on 25 of 55 piston cores collected during Kane surveys in the Gulf of Mexico show that detailed paleoclimatic curves can be determined for the late Pleistocene based on change in frequency of planktonic Foraminifera. Three carbonate-rich cores from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico have been examined in detail and show that most of the 28 species or forms distinguished in these cores show quantitative trends in response to paleoclimatic change. During warm intervals the Globorotalia menardii complex, Pulleniatina obliquiloculata, and Globorotaloides hexagona (interglacial) are characteristic whereas Globorotalia inflata and Globigerina falconensis indicate cool intervals.

A total of 3 major warmings and 2 major coolings are recorded; these probably correlate with zones Z to V of Ericson and Wollin. In addition faunal changes of less magnitude reflect secondary temperature oscillations superimposed on the more marked (glacial-interglacial) climatic oscillations. The climatic oscillations are remarkably uniform in some cores if fairly constant sedimentation rates are assumed.

Volcanic ash zones in 2 cores approximately correspond to the lowermost and uppermost boundaries of the last interglacial period. In one core a large increase in Orbulina universa coinciding with these ash zones may be due to temporary environmental changes associated with extensive ash deposition.

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