Research Methodology
At Pelagic Research Institute, our research employs established micropaleontological techniques combined with modern analytical instrumentation. This page describes the standard workflow from sample collection to data interpretation.
Sample Collection
Sediment samples are obtained from deep-sea drilling cores, gravity cores, and box cores recovered during oceanographic expeditions. Each sample represents a specific time interval in Earth's history, with resolution depending on sedimentation rate and bioturbation intensity.
Laboratory Preparation
Raw sediment is disaggregated, wet-sieved through a 63-micrometer mesh, and dried. The coarse fraction is examined under a stereomicroscope at 40-80x magnification. Individual specimens are picked using a fine brush and mounted on gridded microslides for identification and counting.
Species Identification
Taxonomic identification follows established classification schemes. A minimum of 300 specimens per sample ensures statistically reliable assemblage data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used for detailed morphological characterization of key taxa.
Geochemical Analysis
Stable
oxygen and carbon isotope ratios (δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C) are measured on hand-picked foraminiferal specimens using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Trace element ratios (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca) provide independent temperature estimates. All analyses follow inter-laboratory calibration standards.
Data Processing
Census data and geochemical measurements are processed using multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis, transfer functions, and Bayesian age-depth modelling. Results are archived in community databases for reproducibility.
Key Points About marine microfossils
- Important characteristics of marine microfossils
- Research methodology and approaches
- Distribution patterns observed
- Scientific significance explained
- Conservation considerations