FORAMINIFERA - FORAMS - OSTRACODS

Applications in geology and research

• Age and correlation: The primary application is determining the relative age of sedimentary rocks and correlating them globally using index fossils, contributing to the construction of a global geologic time scale.

• Paleoenvironmental analysis: By studying the organisms found in different strata, scientists can interpret past environments, including paleobathymetry (water depth).

• Sequence stratigraphy: Biostratigraphy provides chronostratigraphic control for sequence stratigraphic models, helping to understand sea-level changes and their effect on facies distribution.

• Geologic history: It is fundamental to deciphering Earth's history, including the timeline of major geological events like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

• Field mapping: Biostratigraphy is a critical tool for field geologists mapping geological formations in the field and in labs.