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Sediment Core Extrusion Method at Millimeter Resolution Using a Calibrated, Threaded-rod

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Published on: August 17, 2016

Marine microfossils: Tiny archives of ocean changes through deep time.

Jasenka Sremac¹, Marija Bošnjak², Karmen Fio Firi¹

¹University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geology, Horvatovac 102B, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

AIMS Microbiology

|September 2, 2024

Summary

Marine microfossils, including cyanobacteria and diatoms, offer insights into Earth's history and environments. These ancient microorganisms are crucial for dating rocks and understanding past climate change.

Keywords:

biostratigraphy fossilization microbiota paleoenvironment raw materials

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Area of Science:

Paleontology
Geology
Microbiology

Background:

Marine microorganisms have existed since Earth's inception, forming organic or mineralized structures.
These structures are preserved as fossils through various geological processes like permineralization and carbonization.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the significance of marine microfossils in paleontology and geology.
To highlight the diverse groups of marine microfossils and their study methodologies.
To underscore the role of microfossils in understanding Earth's history, environments, and resources.

Main Methods:

Analysis of microfossils in petrographic slides and disaggregated rock samples.
Utilizing transmitted light microscopy, reflected light stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Identification through biomarkers and examination of dormant or reproductive cysts.

Main Results:

Identified numerous marine microfossil groups, including diatoms, foraminifers, and radiolarians.
Demonstrated microfossil contributions to oxygenation, carbon cycling, and sedimentary rock formation.
Established microfossils as key indicators for geological dating and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

Conclusions:

Marine microfossils are vital for reconstructing Earth's past climates and depositional environments.
Microfossil studies aid in identifying historical periods of environmental stress.
Biogenic rocks formed from microfossils serve as valuable raw materials for various industries.