Monitoring Environmental Change using Distribution Trends of Foraminiferal Benthic Assemblages At Wonosari

Abstract

Fossil foraminifera is commonly used in the exploration of energy resources, while paleo-environment monitoring studies using foraminifera have not been widely developed. The study was conducted on Wonosari Formation consisting of limestone layered that showed turbidite symptoms. In this study rock samples were taken by stratified sampling method, then analyzed the abundance, richness and diversity of fossil foraminifera bentonic in the sample. Fossil analysis shows the study area is a marine environment with a paleobatimetry Middle shelf - Upper continental slope. Organism’s response to the variability of environmental change is seen by the presence of certain species. This shows fossil foraminifera recording significant changes in samples where abundance, richness and diversity produce a trend that indicates change.