Foraminifera-based data spanning several tephra horizons in cores from IODP Leg 350, sites U1436 and U1437 (NERC grant NE/M005232/1)

The dataset worksheet contains a list of core samples taken during IODP Exp 350 and foraminifera-based data for selected samples. The work was started with the aim of reconstructing palaeoproductivity changes (namely surface-to-deep carbon isotope gradients and U/Ca measurements) over tephra layers in order to test the ‘ash fertilisation hypothesis’. However, the work has been temporarily halted given the on-board volcanologists ongoing concerns that the ash layers in the selected cores have been reworked and therefore are not primary. Because of the induration and silicification of the core samples at quite shallow depths in the core, the other aim of the project (to reconstruct palaeoceanographic changes from 16-0 Ma) was not possible. The spreadsheet contains a full list of samples and a list of samples that have been examined and analysed. The data worksheet contains the no. of Globigerinoides ruber (with weight), Oridorsalis umbonatus, Uvigerina spp. and Cibicidoides spp. specimens for specific samples. For selected samples, stable oxygen and carbon isotopes are given and a graph of the carbon isotopes vs depth in core is presented.