Factors Controlling Formation of Benthic Foraminifera, Ostracod, Mollusc Assemblages and Sediment Distribution of the Geochemistry in the Dardanelles Strait

Abstract

26 sediments samples from Dardanelles were studied. 12 of which were collected in summer 2007 and 14 of them have been previously collected. The depths of the stations vary between 25.00-83.00 m. A very rich foraminifer and ostracod assemblages were observed in 8 of the stations, two of which also found to include a rich mollusc fauna. Foraminifer assemblages were represented with 73 genera and 118 species, where as 36 genera and 41 species of ostracods were recorded. Mollusc fauna were represented with 13 genera and 12 species of pelecypods and 11 genera and 16 species of gastropods. In the light of these findings the region can be considered to be influenced by the Aegean and Mediterranean fauna. Three of the samples contained a very rich benthic foraminifer and ostracod assemblages and one sample contained foraminifer specimens with large tests which also includes colored specimens and gypsum crystals, suggesting the presence of marine springs rich in carbonate, sulfate and trace elements related to fault/faults. Sediments of the strait were found to be sand, silty sand, muddy sand, sandy silt, silt, mud and sandy mud. The aim of the study was to figure out the similarities and differences of the foraminifer, ostracod and mollusc faunas between the Dardanelles Strait and the assemblages of Aegean, Mediterranean and Sea of Marmara, in order to understand the ecological characteristics of the study area.