The assemblage composition, shell morphology and geochemistry of planktic foraminifera serve as vital tools to aid the interpretation of past oceanographic archives. Planktic foraminifera are also an important component of the marine carbon cycle. This session brings together interdisciplinary research that explores the biology, ecology, and biomineralization of planktic foraminifera as well as their use in the development and application of traditional and new geochemical, morphological, and biological proxies.
We welcome contributions that are based on culturing experiments, plankton tows and/or surface sediments to deepen our understanding of foraminiferal life processes – including calcification, symbiosis, and environmental sensitivity – as well as studies that advance the calibration, validation, and innovative applications of foraminiferal-based proxies. We are particularly interested in work that bridges modern observations with paleoceanographic reconstructions, explores methodological developments (e.g., culturing, geochemical analyses, machine learning), or integrates foraminiferal data into Earth system models.
This session aims to foster dialogue between biologists, geochemists, micropaleontologists, and modelers to strengthen the link between living foraminifera and their fossil record, and to improve our understanding of past marine environments and climate dynamics.