Use of ostracodes as paleoenvironmental tools in the interpretation of ancient lacustrine records.

Abstract

Lacustrine ostracodes have been studied during the last three decades because of their apparent utility in reconstructing aquatic paleoenvironments. These microcrustaceans are ideal for paleoenvironmental analysis because: 1) they are cosmopolitan and abundant lacustrine inhabitants; 2) they show high diversity; 3) they are sensitive to climate- related limnological variations; 4) their valves incorporate some trace elements from host waters that may oxygen isotope equilibruiun with the host water. The purpose here is to compare the recent advances in these various approaches, as well as their limitations in paleoclimnologic reconstructions. i is evident that our current knowledge is far from complete, bus it is also true that the progress achieved has established a basis for quantitative paleoenvironmental reconstructions using nonmarine ostracodes.