Review of foraminifera methodologies related to hydrocarbon seeps on the ocean floor: implications for the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

In the last decade, the marine seeps of hydrocarbon-rich fluids, mainly methane, have been studied from the shells of recent calcareous foraminifera and fossils. This group of organisms may be abundant in seepage habitats, and no indicator species have been found on these environments, even though related associations and changes in diversity and isotopic composition have been observed. In this review, we compile and describe the different methodologies of the study of foraminifera in cold filtration systems that have been used in both surface and subsurface sediments. The analysis and discussion of the information allowed us to conclude through the results and the effectiveness of the use of foraminifera as indicators depend not only on the used methodologies, but also on its limitations. In addition, based on the information obtained, a possible methodology for the Colombian Caribbean was proposed, identifying its technological limitations.