Some peculiarities of the benthic foraminifera and natural radionuclides distribution in the bottom sediments of the Northern Atlantic

  • M. M. Domanov Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • A. V. Tikhonova Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
DOI 10.29006/1564-2291.JOR-2020.48(1).6
Keywords bottom sediments, foraminifera, radionuclides 232Th, 238U, 226Ra

Abstract

The analysis of the relationship of benthic foraminifera and of natural radionuclides (232Th, 238U и 226Ra) distribution in the deep-water sediments of the North Atlantic in the section of 60○N crossing the arctic front is fulfilled. A oppositely directed correlation between the distribution of natural radionuclides in sediments and Alabaminella Weddellensis (Rs = 0.8) and Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi (Schwager, 1866) (Rs = –0.68) species occupying different ecological niches was revealed. The weighted radiation dose is calculated. The dose values obtained are in the range of 0.63–2.16 µGr/hour. It is assumed that under the conditions of measured background radiation, the effect of radiation hormesis in foraminifera manifests itself, stimulating their development.

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Published
2020-05-13
Issue
Vol 48 No 1 (2020): Journal of Oceanological Research
Section
Marine geology, geophysics and geochemistry

Transfer of copyrights occurs on the basis of a license agreement between the Author and Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, RAS