Benthic foraminiferal fauna in the Ionian Sea

The fauna exhibits large fluctuations in foraminiferal number, diversity, and species composition. Interglacials are characterized by low foraminiferal number and diversity indicating oligotrophic conditions.

Directly below or above interglacial sapropels, increased numbers of low-oxygen-tolerant species indicate a strong reduction of deep water circulation. Glacials are characterized by increased foraminiferal number and diversity and faunas that are dominated by shallow infaunal species indicating mesotrophic conditions. Around glacial sapropel S6 very high foraminiferal numbers and the dominance of shallow and deep infaunal species suggest enhanced organic matter fluxes.