Planktonic foraminifera fluxes and their response to the Asian Monsoon: insights from the Maldives, Indian Ocean

This study describes seasonal changes in the fluxes of planktonic foraminifera response to environmental conditions during Asian Monsoon. Sediment trap systems were deployed for a period 1 year at two locations Maldives: Kardiva Channel and Inner Sea. Twenty-six (26) recognized, which six species ( Trilobatus sacculifer , Globorotalia menardii Globigerinoides ruber Globigerina siphonifera Neogloboquadrina dutertrei G. bulloides ) dominated assemblage (82%–84%) both sites. Planktonic chlorophyll-a concentrations are higher Total show preference high nutrient monsoon periods. generally follow trend carbonate except October-November 2014. Species flux reached maximum NE as increase concentration brought by movement North Equatorial Current over The expansion nutrient-rich surface waters, occurring eastward SW westward monsoon, led an population dwelling shallow T. deep waters N. ). Dominance shallow-dwelling throughout sampling suggests stable stratification water column. supports idea wind-mixing rather than local upwelling driving force enrichment nutrients subsequent fluxes. Lateral advection resuspension settling particles traps is evident based on presence benthic Sea samples. These processes, however, did not significantly mask climate ocean signals since there remains clear correlation between conditions.