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Recent Bentthic Foraminifera as a Sedimentation Tool in the Nigerian Coastal Environment

by C. O. Dublin-Green,
L. F. Awosika,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastlines of Western Africa

Abstract:

The ratio between the living and total populations of benthic foraminifera has been shown to be useful in determining relative rates of sedimentation in paralic and marine environments. The living and total (live + dead) population of recent benthic foraminifera collected from the subtidal zone (0.5 to 18.5 meters deep) of the Bonny estuary, Niger Delta, was studied. Results revealed significant micropaleontologic relationships with sedimentation of the study area. High populations of living benthic foraminifera were recorded in muddy sediments of the shallow marginal areas. Living to total ratios were high in this zone. Values ranged from 0.02 to 0.52 with a mean of 0.28, indicating a rapid rate of deposition. The mid-channel zones (7.0-18.5m) are areas of scouring due to the action of strong tidal currents. Consequently, only a few living benthic foraminifera were recorded in this zone. Living to total ratios were very low (0.02), indicating very low sedimentation rates in the deep channels. Similar trends of foraminiferal populations/sedimentation rates have been recorded in the Lagos Lagoon complex.

Subject Headings: Sediment | Estuaries | Tides | Sediment transport | Developing countries | Transport rates | Suspended sediment | Africa | Nigeria | Niger

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