Deep-Water Biogenic Sediment off the Coast of Florida

Biogenic “oozes” are pelagic sediments that are composed of > 30% carbonate
microfossils and are estimated to cover about 50% of the ocean floor, which accounts for
about 67% of calcium carbonate in oceanic surface sediments worldwide. These deposits
exhibit diverse assemblages of planktonic microfossils and contribute significantly to the
overall sediment supply and function of Florida’s deep-water regions. However, the
composition and distribution of biogenic sediment deposits along these regions remains
poorly documented. Seafloor surface sediments have been collected in situ via Johnson-
Sea-Link I submersible along four of Florida’s deep-water regions during a joint research
cruise between Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) and Florida Atlantic
University (FAU). Sedimentological analyses of the taxonomy, species diversity, and
sedimentation dynamics reveal a complex interconnected development system of
Florida’s deep-water habitats.
Results disclose characteristic microfossil assemblages of planktonic foraminiferal
ooze off the South West Florida Shelf, a foraminiferal-pteropod ooze through the Straits of Florida, and pteropod ooze deposits off Florida’s east coast. The distribution of the
biogenic ooze deposits is attributed to factors such as oceanographic surface production,
surface and bottom currents, off-bank transport, and deep-water sediment drifts. The
application of micropaleontology, sedimentology, and oceanography facilitate in
characterizing the sediment supply to Florida’s deep-water regions.