At Apo Reef, Mindoro, a small, isolated, moderate-energy platform reef in the central Philippines, foraminifera comprise a significant portion (c.40%) of the sediment. This study examines four assemlages of foraminifera: live foraminifera; dead, unabraded foraminifera; abraded and fragmented foraminifera; and the three data sets combined into a total assemblage in order to determine their relative usefulness in identifying reefal sub-environments. The time averaged assemblages, the product of taphonomic processes, prove to be much more effective in delineating reefal physiographic sub-environments than do the live assemblages. The abundance of live foraminifera, except for minute sediment-attached rotaliines, is strongly controlled by the distribution of algal turf and filamentous algal mat. Filamentous algae, with abundant live delicate species, occur in both high- and low-energy reef zones. The time-averaged assemblages are characterized by robust calcarinids in the shallow seaward zones; by free-living miliolids and small rotaliines in the leeward zones; and by planktonics and large thin rotaliines in the fore reef. This enhanced fidelity of the time-averaged assemblages in relation to physiographic zones reflects a combination of the ecological distribution of robust, abrasion-resistant species, the selective destruction of small, delicate tests in higher-energy zones, and the failure of storms and other mechanisms to homogenize the reefal sands.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 August 2001
The Effects of Time-Averaging and Taphonomy on the Identification of Reefal Sub-Environments using Larger Foraminifera: Apo Reef, Mindoro, Philippines
E. CHARLOTTE GLENN-SULLIVAN,
IAN EVANS
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
PALAIOS
Vol. 16 • No. 4
August 2001
Vol. 16 • No. 4
August 2001