114 Subsurface Geologic Methods 



fishes are highly significant in the study of stratigraphy, sedimentation, and 

 paleontology. 



From these comments it is obvious that paleoichthyology has a definite 

 place in stratigraphic and correlation work, and in the future should be 

 considered more seriously by micropaleontologists. 



Suggested Micropaleontologic Studies 



For more adequate interpretation of micropaleontologic data, a 

 thorough understanding of present-day biotopes and ecologic relationships 

 is required. Integrated detailed investigations of modern faunas and floras 

 would furnish much information that could be of great value to paleon- 

 tologists. Contributions by Natland,-'^ Norton,-^ Phleger,-'^ and Cushman ^^ 

 in this field are basic. Similar studies should be instigated and liberally 

 supported by the oil companies and educational institutions. 



A systematic review of the biologic literature would undoubtedly re- 

 veal information that would be of considerable value to the paleontologist.. 



Detailed examination and recording of microfaunas (Foraminifera, 

 ostracodes, diatoms, Radiolaria, spores, pollen, and the like) in controlled 

 stratigraphic sections should be continued with maximum effort. More 

 study should be devoted to phylogeny, taxonomy, and habitats of recent 

 microfaunas and microfloras. 



Pelagic microfaunas and microfloras are scheduled to play an im- 

 portant role in the future in establishing long-range geologic correlations. 

 To evaluate fossil suites more adequately, studies of related recent types 

 should be started. Geographic distribution patterns of these "floaters" in 

 modern seas should be prepared and analyzed in relation to water and 

 wind currents, salinity, turbidity, food supply, temperature, and land 

 barriers. 



More data are required on the rate of accumulation of remains in 

 micro-organisms in recent sediments. Detailed investigations of microfos- 

 sils of the various periods and epochs are critically needed and should 

 be periodically evaluated and published. Total faunas should be illus- 

 trated and each species carefully described. Too frequently have incom- 

 plete faunas been described in the literature during the past. Published 

 faunas should be considered stratigraphically as well as paleontologically. 



Commercial Micropaleontologic Laboratories 



The routine of micropaleontologic laboratories depends on the prob- 

 lem involved (surface or subsurface, detailed or reconnaissance, research 



^' Natland, M. L., The Temperature and Depth Distribution of Some Recent and Fossil Foraminifera 

 in the Southern California Region: Scripps Inst. Oceanography Tech. Ser. Bull., vol. 3, no. 10. pp. 225- 

 230, I tab'.e, 1933. 



"^ Norton, R. D., Ecologic Relations of Some Foraminifera: Scripps Inst. Oceanography Tech. Ser. 

 Bull., vol. 2, pp. 331-388, 1930. 



^ Phleger, F. B., Jr., Foraminifera of Submarine Cores from the Continental Slope: Geol. Soc. 

 America Bull., vol. 50, pp. 1395-1422, 1939. 



-° Cushman, J. A.. A Study of the Foraminifera Contained in Cores from the Bartlett Deep: Am. Jour. 

 Sci., vol. 239, pp. 128-142, 1941. 



