Hyalineacf.balthicafrom Pliocene sediments, New Zealand

Abstract

Benthonic foraminifera referred to Hyalinea cf. balthica (Schroeter) are recorded from lower Mangaweka Mudstone at Wanganui River, North Island, New Zealand. The incoming of H. balthica in the Italian Neogene sequence has been considered to mark the onset of climatic deterioration at the beginning of the Quaternary, although this appearance is probably of only local significance in biostratigraphy. The value of this species as a paleoclimatic indicator is also doubtful; however, New Zealand specimens occur in the Waipipian Stage (Middle Pliocene), for which other evidence indicates cold conditions.