Revised technique for calculation of calcareous nannofossil accumulation rates

A rapid and easy settling technique designed to estimate quantitative abundances of calcareous nannofossils is described. Compared with other methods, the time spent in weighing and other time-consuming steps are compensated by the possibility of standardizing and producing large series of samples at the same time. Formulas for the calculation of absolute abundances and accumulation rates are presented. A test in which the examination of several samples where the amount of sediment as well as other parameters have been changed demonstrates a random distribution of nannoliths across the slide. Variations in the calculated accumulation rates were minimal, suggesting high reliability.