Micropaleontological Reference Centers Collections - International Ocean Discovery Program
Original (non-English) name
Acronym
MRC Collections - IODP
Citation
Abstract
The scope of the MRC collections is global, with ca 5,000 prepared samples for each of the four fossil groups held (planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, diatoms and radiolaria—see detailed list of maps by age and fossil group). Samples range in age back to the Jurassic, although older geologic intervals are relatively rare (see Recovery figure below). The MRC collections closely reflect the overall pattern of recovery by the DSDP and ODP projects, which in turn reflect primary patterns of microfossil and sediment preservation through time.
MRC collections are hosted by more than a dozen major institutions around the world. There are 9 identical sets of prepared material for each of the four fossil groups. These are held either in full collections, which have all four fossil groups, or satellite collections, which typically hold only material for one group.