Annual Report 2011 of the Paleogene Planktonic Foraminifera Working Group

The Paleogene Planktonic Foraminifera Working Group held their 9th meeting on the taxonomy and evolution of Oligocene planktonic foraminifera at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., Department of Paleobiology, (National Museum of Natural History, hosted by Brian Huber) in September 2011. Work towards completion of the ‘Atlas of Oligocene Planktonic Foraminifera’ is now at an advanced stage. Syntheses of the taxonomy and plates for a number of groups, such as Globorotaloides/Catapsydrax, Paragloborotalia, which mark the near completion of work for some chapters, were presented by lead authors. Drafts of the text for Oligocene chronostratigraphy, planktonic wall textures, Subbotina, Dentoglobigerina Pseudohastigerina/Turborotalia, biserials and the cancellate walled groups were submitted. Other groups, including Globigerinoides, Globigerinella and Oligocene clavates still require some work, including establishing wall textures and obtaining holotype images. Spring 2012 was set as a deadline for submission of final versions of chapters, including text, phylogenies, range charts and plates. Then will start the process of internal and external review. The working group aim to have the finished atlas ready for FORAMS 2014, which will be held in Chilie.

Report by Helen Coxall (Secretary) and Bridget Wade (Chairwoman).