FORAMINIFERAL ASSEMBLAGES FROM THE FJORDS AND SHELF OF EASTERN GREENLAND

Twelve grab samples from three fjords and the shelf of eastern Greenland were analyzed for foraminifera to observe the modern foraminifera assemblages and their relations to sediment properties and water mass characteristics. Both the >63 mum and the > 125 mum fractions were analyzed to determine what size fraction should be used for future biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental studies along eastern Greenland. We found that the east Greenland fjords and shelf support a mixed calcareous/agglutinated assemblage. The most common agglutinated species are Textularia earlandi, Spiroplectammina biformis, Trochammina nana, and Saccammina difflugiformis. The most common calcareous species are Cassidulina reniforme, C. teretis, Elphidium excavatum, and Lobatula lobatula. The assemblages in the fjords appear to be associated with bottom water mass characteristics, with agglutinated foraminifera dominating sites with Polar Water at the seafloor (Mikis Fjord) and a mixed calcareous/agglutinated fauna found at sites with Atlantic Intermediate Water at the seafloor (Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord). In Nansen Fjord, with a water mass transitional between the Polar and Atlantic waters, a mainly agglutinated assemblage was found. Foraminifera were up to 23 times more abundant in the 63 to 125 mum size fraction than they were in the >125 mum size fraction. Although the species composition of these two size fractions differed substantially, principal components analysis of the >63 mum fraction and the >125 mum fraction showed similar results. However, the association between environmental variables (especially bottom water salinity and pH) and fauna was better defined using the >125 mum fraction.