Original descriptions of taxa. For coccolithophores, and many calcispheres, these are pages from the Farinacci & Howe Catalog of Calcareous Nannofossils. In other cases (e.g. non-calcifying haptophytes) the data is directly compiled on this site. The "Catalogue of Calcareous Nannofossils" was originally compiled by Prof A. Farinacci 1969-1989, since 2000 it has been updated and extended by Richard Howe - see The Farinacci and Howe Catalog - an Introduction.
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Farinacci & Howe catalog - Pontosphaera lowei.pdf
Varol 2025 pl 68a.jpg
Varol 2025 pl 68b.jpg
Current identification:
Compiled data
Citation: Pontosphaera lowei Varol 2025Taxonomic rank: speciesDescribed on page(s) : 76Type specimens: Holotype: Pl. 68, Figs. 1-12 [same specimen]Type sample (& lithostrat): DSDP Leg 23, Site 225, core 22, section 3, 47 cmType age (chronostrat): Zanclean, Zone NN12.Type locality: Red SeaType repository: Varol Research office, Rhos on SeaRepository Country: Wales
Original Description Diagnosis: This large species of Pontosphaera has a wall that is low in height and a distal cover that mirrors the height of the wall. The proximal plate is pierced by a low number of pores (around 10-12), which are centrally arranged. Size: Dimensions of Holotype: Length = 13.48 µm; Width = 9.28 µm (both measured in PC). Etymology: In honour of Dr S Lowe, retired biostratigrapher/ palynologist, London, UK, in recognition of his contributions to biostratigraphy. Extra details from original publication Optical Properties: This species exhibits first-order white to brown interference colours under polarising light in the plan view. The extinction lines are laevogyre (left-handed) and inclined at an angle of 68° on the distal side. The length-fast (−) elongation indicates how the optical axis behaves when a gypsum plate is inserted in polarised light.
Occurrence: DSDP Leg 23, Sites 225, Red Sea; Manavgat, Turkey