Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy

Book excerpt: Calcareous nannofossils are an exceptionally important microfossil group, with their living counterparts, coccolithopores, representing one of the major components of phytoplankton in present day oceans. Their abundant fossil record and world-wide distribution has led to their rapid acceptance as one of the most important index-fossil groups in stratigraphical research. The first two chapters of this book provide general information concerning calcareous nannofossils, including reviews of their biology and palaeobiology, and preparation and observation techniques. Chapters 3-9 are ordered stratigraphically, and present state-of-the-art summaries of calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy for each time period, with comprehensive illustrations of all taxa within a standardised classification based on the latest research into structure and biomineralization. The practical application of these biostratigraphic schemes is discussed, including comments on zones biogeography, taxonomy and evolution. This information is internationally relevant, and global correlation is discussed. Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy is the most comprehensive atlas of this fossil group ever produced, containing 65 full page plates with over 2,000 individual photographs, together with comments concerning stratigraphic distribution and identification. Chapters on the Mesozoic contain electron microscope illustrations as well as light micrographs. The inclusion of much recent, previously unpublished, research provides a new level of biostratigraphic resolution for a number of time periods, making the book both a valuable synthesis and a significant step forward in biogeographical research. Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy is a comprehensive practical handbook for palaeontologists and organizations who use calcareous nannofossils in biostratigraphy, and provides a valuable practical reference work for earth scientists engaged in stratigraphic research, and those interested in palaeontology, palaeoceanography, stratigraphy and geochronology.