Seasonal distribution of Foraminifera in the Araniar river estuary of Pulicat, southeast coast of India

Abstract

A total of 46 forarminiferal species have been recorded. The lower estuarine region is characterised by low range of variability and high abundance of foraminiferal counts, while the upper estuary by low range of variability and low faunal abundance. The living assemblages have limited number of species with Ammonia baccarii being dominant in all seasons. Of the various ecological parameters studied salinity. pH and calcium have a close bearing on the distribution and abundance of Foraminifera in the estuary.