Quaternary dinoflagellate cysts from the upwelling system offshore Peru, Hole 686B, ODP Leg 112

The dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from Quaternary sediments of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 686B were determined. Results were interpreted as showing that under strong upwelling conditions assemblages are enriched with peridiniacean cysts, in contrast to weak upwelling situations where gonyaulacacean cysts become dominant. Results are discussed in relation to current planktonic assemblages and lifestyles. This possibly extends the use of dinoflagellates as paleoecological indicators in this region. -Authors