Dinoflagellate cysts and benthic foraminifera from surface sediments of Svalbard fjords and shelves as paleoenvironmental indicators

Due to the Arctic amplification effect, Svalbard archipelago is an important area for studying ongoing environmental changes. However, its marine ecosystem extremely complex. In this study, we analyze modern assemblages of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) and benthic foraminifera from surface sediment samples around Svalbard. We use multivariate statistical analyses examine relationships between conditions (summer winter sea temperature salinity, sea-ice cover, etc.) both microfossil groups evaluate their as proxies reconstructions environment in region. Our results show that most factor controlling Atlantic Water which mostly impacts western coast, but influence reaches far eastern coast Nordaustlandet. on a local scale, such factors presence tidewater glaciers, or even morphology hydrology fjords become increasingly important. found two dinocyst species, Polarella glacialis Echinidinium karaense, can be considered regional drift ice indicators. The parameters foraminiferal are much more difficult interpret. Although analysis shows correlation species with various parameters, might somewhat coincidental caused by other not analyzed study. Nevertheless, complementary (paleo)environmental indicators provide comprehensive picture conditions.