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Dinoflagellate Cysts and Climate Change through the Neogene

  • Conference paper
Cenozoic Plants and Climates of the Arctic

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((ASII,volume 27))

Abstract

Dinoflagellate cysts have, in the past, been a neglected microfossil group in the documentation and interpretation of climatic change. They are now, however, being used more routinely in studies of DSDP and ODP Neogene sediments to explain such changes. Most recently semi-quantitative statistical techniques, with the utilisation of simple indices and ratios, and quantitative transfer function analyses have been applied to dinoflagellate cyst data in order to derive sea-surface temperatures.

This contribution aims to review the use of dinoflagellate cysts as climatic and oceanographic indicators. Included is the recognition of the importance of dinoflagellate ecology, together with the significance of feeding strategies, and the place of the cyst within the life cycle. Motile dinoflagellates are not fossilised and that only a small proportion of dinoflagellate species are known to produce fossilisable cysts is a major factor in how cyst data are interpreted. In addition, little is known of the natural occurrence of cysts in the plankton or their pathways through the water column before their final incorporation in bottom sediments. The distribution of cysts in bottom sediments is subject to many constraints and caution is advised on their use as the foundations of semi-quantitative and quantitative techniques.

Future dinoflagellate cyst studies will, undoubtedly, provide further detail to the patterns of climate change that characterise the Neogene. The provision of new well-constrained datasets of living and dead dinoflagellate cyst distributions is essential to enhance the quality of interpretation and lead to precise results. Such datasets are of paramount importance for the secure foundation of Neogene dinoflagellate cyst research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 50 Long Acre, Bingham, NG13 8AH, UK

    R. Harland

  2. British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK

    R. Harland

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  1. R. Harland
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Palaeobiology Research Unit, University of East London, Romford Road, London, E15 4LZ, UK

    Michael C. Boulter  & Helen C. Fisher  & 

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Harland, R. (1994). Dinoflagellate Cysts and Climate Change through the Neogene. In: Boulter, M.C., Fisher, H.C. (eds) Cenozoic Plants and Climates of the Arctic. NATO ASI Series, vol 27. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79378-3_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79378-3_7

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