CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Blais-Stevens, A.; and Patterson, R.T.
Date : 1998
Title : Environmental indicator potential of Foraminifera from Saanich Inlet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Publication : Journal of Foraminiferal Research
Issue : 28(3):
Page(s) : 201-219.
Abstract
Foraminiferal biofacies identified in Saanich Inlet appear to be closely linked to a variety of environmental parameters, including water quality, Five biofacies are defined based on Q-mode cluster analysis and on faunal distribution profiles of foraminifera-bearing surface sediment samples. Biofacies 1 (Eggerella advena Biofacies), which occurs in near shore environments near two bays with densely populated shorelines, appears to have an affinity for areas contaminated by sewage outfall and septic system drainage. Biofacies 2 (Eggerella advena-Spiroplectammina biformis Biofacies) and 3 (Miliammina fusca Biofacies) characterize shallow, brackish waters, and are distributed in shallow bays adjacent to Biofacies 1, Biofacies 4 (Lobatula fletcheri Biofacies), the only biofacies dominated by a calcareous fauna, has been subdivided into two sub-biofacies: Sub-biofacies 4A (Stainforthia feylingi Sub-biofacies) and 4B (Buccella frigida Sub-biofacies). Sub-biofacies 4A occurs in deep water, low oxygen environments, whereas Sub-biofacies 4B characterizes shallow water, normal marine environments. The patchy distribution of Sub-biofacies 4B samples is probably due to vagaries of water circulation in the restricted basin, Biofacies 5 (Leptohalysis catella-Spiroplectammina biformis Biofacies) occupies a relatively deeper muddy environment with a high proportion of plant debris and probably relatively lower oxygen levels. Hence, the main environmental control defining the biofacies is water circulation (or lack thereof), which is influenced by the shape of the fiord (presence of the sill).
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology