Globorotalia truncatulinoides (dextral) Mg/Ca as a proxy for Gulf of Mexico winter mixed-layer temperature: Evidence from a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Three years of weekly- to biweekly-resolved sediment-trap data show that almost 90% of the total flux of tests of the planktic foraminifer Globorotalia truncatulinoides to sediments in the northern Gulf of Mexico occurs in January and February. Comparison of δ18O from tests of non-encrusted Gl. truncatulinoides in sediment-trap samples with calculated calcification depths indicates that the non-encrusted individuals secrete their test in the winter surface-mixed layer, most likely at the bottom of the surface mixed zone. Mg/Ca-temperature estimates from non-encrusted Gl. truncatulinoides in sediment-trap samples are consistent with observed temperatures at the calcification depths inferred from the δ18O data. In contrast, Mg/Ca-temperature estimates from encrusted Gl. truncatulinoides in sediment-trap samples indicate the crust is formed in cooler (deeper) waters.A preliminary study in a core recovered near the sediment-trap site demonstrates that non-encrusted and encrusted forms of Gl. truncatulinoides in sediment samples show a similar offset in Mg/Ca values as observed in sediment-trap samples. A short (~ 100 years) Mg/Ca record from non-encrusted Gl. truncatulinoides indicates a warming trend that coincides with a warming trend in mean-annual sea-surface temperature recorded by Mg/Ca in Globigerinoides ruber (white) from the same core. These findings suggest Mg/Ca from non-encrusted Gl. truncatulinoides has clear potential as a proxy for past winter mixed-layer temperature.

Research highlights
► Sediment-trap data show 90% of Gl. truncatulinoides flux occurs in early to mid-winter.
► Non-encrusted Gl. truncatulinoides calcify within the winter surface-mixed layer.
► Mg/Ca of non-encrusted forms can be used as a proxy for past winter variation.
► A pilot study on a sediment core was conducted to show the potential of this proxy.
► Past winter temperature estimates show a warming trend over a 100 year interval.