Distribution, Factor Analysis and Ecology of Benthic foraminifera within Inner Shelf Regime of Vengurla-Bhatkal Sector, West Coast, India

Abstract

One hundred and two taxa of benthic foraminifera are reported from the neritic environment (15-60 m) of Vengurla-Bhatkal area. Q-mode factor analysis reveals 6 important foraminiferal assemblages accounting for 92% of the information given in original data matrix. The assemblages are - Nonion - Bulimina Ammobaculites, Bolivina, Bulimina - Nonionella - Ammobaculites Nonionella - Bulimina and Ammonia. Based on the ecology of the fauna it is concluded that a general hyposalinal environment prevails in the study area. Geographical distribution of well-known hyposalinaI species/assemblage can be used to study the spread of brackish water along the coastal area.