Trace element composition of modern planktic foraminifera from an oxygen minimum zone: Potential proxies for an enigmatic environment

Oxygen limited marine environments, such as oxygen minimum zones, are of profound importance for global nutrient cycling and vertical habitat availability. While it is understood that the extent intensity zones responsive to climate, suite viable proxies low pelagic environments continues pose a real barrier paleoclimate interpretations. Here we investigate proxy potential an array trace element (Mg, Mn, Zn, Sr) Ca ratios from shells Globorotaloides hexagonus , planktic foraminifer endemic tropical through temperate zones. A species-specific relationship between Mg/Ca temperature proposed quantitative reconstruction zone paleotemperatures. Both Mn/Ca Zn/Ca vary with concentration could be useful reconstructing G. where primary signal can d\istinguished diagenetic overprinting. Finally, robust correlation Sr/Ca dissolved demonstrates role Sr indicator intensity, potentially via foraminiferal growth rate. The analysis these relatively conventional in species has tremendous facilitate multiproxy reconstructions this enigmatic environment.