The Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Foraminiferal Populations within Inner Miramichi Bay, New Brunswick

Abstract

The stratigraphic distribution of Foraminifera in the Inner Miramichi Bay is described and compared to surficial paleontologic data reported by Bartlett (1966), Tapley (1969) and Scott et al (in press) from the same estuary. Three major assemblage zones presently occupy the stratigraphy of Inner Miramichi Bay: the transitional, marginal marine, and marsh foraminiferal assemblage zones. A marginal marine assemblage existed in surficial sediments during the field investigations conducted by Bartlett (1966) and Tapley (1969). These sediments have since been covered by 20 em. of mud supporting a transitional faunal assemblage. The vertical distribution of Foraminifera in the Inner Miramichi Bay was studied by means of statistical analyses of data extracted from 11 short gravity cores. A comparison of cluster analyses yield minor gradations existing within the limits of distinct assemblage zones. These gradations were resolved through an intuitive interpretation of the original data.