Abstract The results of multivariate analysis applied to the associations of benthic foraminifers and ostracods from surface sediments of the north Argentine continental shelf are presented in this study. We evaluated the distribution patterns and ecological preferences of species found in modern sediments from the north Argentine continental shelf, at depths between 15 and 130 m. We identified 61 species of foraminifers corresponding to the orders Rotaliida, Miliolida, Lagenida, Buliminida, Lituolida and Trochamminida, in addition to 18 species of ostracods that belong to the suborder Podocopina. The distribution of the ostracods Bradleya kaeslery Ramos, Coimbra and Whatley was extended to higher latitudes. It was determined that water depth and temperature were the factors that most affected the distribution of both types of microorganisms. Based on these data, we established three physiographical zones, which could be linked to the different water masses. In addition, the western limit of the Malvinas current at 80 m of water depth was corroborated. Our study highlights the potential use of benthic foraminifers and ostracods individuals as bioindicators for identifying oceanographic conditions in the Argentine continental shelf.

中文翻译：

---

钙质微生物作为西南大西洋海洋条件的指标

摘要 本研究介绍了应用于阿根廷北部大陆架表层沉积物中底栖有孔虫和介形动物关联的多变量分析结果。我们评估了阿根廷北部大陆架现代沉积物中发现的物种的分布模式和生态偏好，深度在 15 到 130 m 之间。我们确定了 61 种与 Rotaliida、Miliolida、Lagenida、Buliminida、Lituolida 和 Trochamminida 相对应的有孔虫，此外还有 18 种属于 Podocopina 亚目的介形动物。介形虫 Bradleya kaeslery Ramos、Coimbra 和 Whatley 的分布扩展到了更高的纬度。确定水深和温度是对两种微生物分布影响最大的因素。基于这些数据，我们建立了三个可以与不同水团相关联的自然地理带。此外，马尔维纳斯洋流在 80 m 水深的西部界限得到证实。我们的研究强调了底栖有孔虫和介形动物个体作为识别阿根廷大陆架海洋条件的生物指标的潜在用途。