SCIENCE REPORTS
Fun with Foraminifera in Yucatan Caves
While walking along a Caribbean tropical beach, one
typically admires the color and texture of the sand:
whether it is porcelain white or baby pink. However,
a micropaleontologist, such as myself, knows that the color and
texture of the sand reflects the colors of the shells of millions of
tiny, unique shelled animals called foraminifera or forams. We
have known and studied these microorganisms for centuries, but
for the very first time we have discovered that they also live in
the perpetual darkness and isolation of Yucatan caves. read more
Science Report - September 2009
We have now collected (in April and Sept 2009) and analyzed two
systems, Carwash (Aktun Ha) and the lower reaches of the Yax Chen/Ox
Bel Ha Cave system. We have collected and analyzed close to 60
surface sediment samples and 6 sediment cores from these caves and we have conducted Hydrolab water chemistry profiles as well. read more