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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 56 (2006), Pages 161-161

Abstract: Classification of Holocene Foraminifera Bio-Facies within the Transgressive Lower Lafourche Headland, Louisiana

Chandra A. Dreher1, Charlotte A. Brunner2, Mark A. Kulp3, Matt Totten4

Abstract

The focus of this study was to enhance and extend existing research by incorporating improved preparation techniques and modern taxonomy, and to sample environmental variables that could control foraminiferal distributions within a transgressive marsh environment.

The coastal Louisiana location for this study is a transgressive, saline marsh within the lower Lafourche headland of the south-central delta plain. Marsh surface samples were taken along transects from highest high water, marsh interior, lowest low water marsh, marsh edge, intertidal mud flat, and tidal creek. Precise elevation surveys were conducted and sediment samples were obtained for analysis of foraminifera. Environmental variables include: sediment grain size, organic carbon and pore-water salinity. Results indicate that environmental variables apparently strongly influence the distribution of agglutinated marsh foraminifera. For example, Trochammina inflate, and Si-photrochammina lobata dominate the foraminiferal assemblage at the higher elevations (~0.6 m) and pore water salinities exceed 50 psu. By contrast, Miliammina fusca dominates the marsh interior (0.4 m) where pore water salinity is near marine (24 psu). Arenoparella mexicana and coarsely agglutinated Ammotium crassus dominate the barren mudflat (0.1 m) and pore water salinity is 35 psu. Assemblages change distinctly with elevation from the upper to the lower intertidal zones along with vegetation and pore water salinity.

This approach provides the opportunity to develop a surficial model of foraminifera biofacies within saline influenced marsh of the Louisiana coastal zone. Biofacies models can provide comparative tools used to evaluate foraminiferal occupation and propagation, and measure the health of coastal marshes or restoration success.


 

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148

2 Department of Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi, 1020 Balch Blvd., John C. Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

3 Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148

4 Department of Geology, Kansas State University, 108 Thompson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506

Copyright © 2007 by The Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies