Calcareous nannofossils

calcareous-nannofossilsCalcareous nannofossils are the fossil remains of coccolithophores, a major group of single-celled marine algae. These algae cover their cells in plate-like scales, or coccoliths, that can be super-abundant in marine sediments, reaching rock-forming proportions in chalk sediments and their modern deep ocean equivalents – calcareous pelagic oozes that cover large portions of the world’s oceans. Coccolithophores evolved in the Late Triassic, and calcareous nannofossils are high utility biostratigraphic tools for Mesozoic and Cenozoic marine sediments.

This module provides an introduction to the biology, ecology and stratigraphic utility of calcareous nannofossils. It includes an overview of the macroevolution of the group since the Triassic, with full coverage of all major fossil families.

As well as biostratigraphy and practical industrial applications of nannofossils, you will learn the use of nannofossil assemblages for post environmental reconstruction and paleoceanography, with engagement from multiple PhD students actively researching in this area. This module is co-taught by academic and industry colleagues.