Taphonomic impact of ultrasonic treatment on foraminifera from a deep-sea carbonate ooze

Abstract. The selection and identification of foraminifera in chalky, partially silicified sediments can be problematic, as was experienced with upper Danian (Paleocene) samples from Newfoundland Ridge (IODP Expedition 342 Site 1407). Ultrasound treatment can potentially improve the liberation and identification of foraminifera by removing fine-grained material from the tests, leading to reduced processing time. However, this process is potentially destructive and can alter the composition of foraminiferal assemblages by reducing fragile taxa from the record, similar to the effects of dissolution (Nguyen et al. 2011).