Compositional and Taphonomic Variations in Modern Crinoid-Rich Sediments from the Deep-Water Margin of a Carbonate Bank

Abstract

Multivariate analyses of the coarse-grained fraction (> 2 mm) of sediments accumulating in deep water (419-434 m) along the western margin of the Little Bahama Bank reneal identifiable, small-scale compositional and taphonomic variations among local subhabitats (ridge crest, slope, foreslope, base of slope, pavements and scour pit) separated by meters to tens of meters. Bulk composition varies between planktic- (crest and slope) and lithic-dominated (pavements, scour pit) sediments. Local macrobenthic skeletal components also vary significantly among subhabitats, but are commonly dominated by echinoid and crinoid material; crinoid columnals contribute 9-52% of the coarse skeletal component of 17 sediment samples considered