Microscopic shells in seafloor sediment collected from Blake Ridge. The large, round shell at the top left of the image is a planktonic pteropod about 0.25mm across. The triangular shell immediately underneath is a benthic, or bottom dwelling, foraminifer, Bolivina. All other larger shells, including the pink one (Gloobigerinoides), are planktonic foraminifers. The planktonic shells have fallen from the surface waters to the seafloor.
2004-07-08T20:38:49Z UTC Denis Barthel 600x479 (28794 bytes) PD von http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/ (Information presented on this World Wide Web site is considered public information and may be distributed freely.)
<!-- PD von http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/ (Information presented on this World Wide Web site is considered public information and may be distributed freely.) --> Foraminferan shells Bild: NOAA, [http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/deepeast01/log