For all microfossil groups (benthic foraminifera and dinocysts) a target count of 300 individuals was set. However, this was not always possible, but the total specimens counted is quoted for all samples. Some samples were also barren. Stable isotope results were calibrated to the VPDB (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite) scale of international standards with analytical precision for both isotopes of > +/- 0.05 percent. For organic geochemical analysis, the sea ice biomarker IP25 was identified on the basis of retention time and comparison of mass spectra with authenticated standards. The extraction and analytical error on the measurements, determined from measurements of standard sediments, is +/- 8 percent.

Sample resolution through the box core was every 1 cm for foraminiferal faunal and stable isotope analysis and every 2 cm for dinocysts, carbon and organic geochemistry (IP25). Analysis through the gravity core was restricted to foraminiferal faunal and stable isotope analyses. Sample resolution through the gravity core varied from every 4 cm (44 - 98 cm), decreasing to 16 cm from approximately 100 - 200 cm, then every 100 cm from 200 - 900 cm. The temporal resolution of sampling varied due to changing sedimentation rates as identified by the core age model.