Cluster analysis of recent benthic foraminifera from the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt

A suite of 74 surface sediment samples, collected from two areas along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast (the Western Harbor of Alexandria and its environs, and the area comprising the Gulf of Kanayis and the Abu Hashafa Bay), have been examined for their benthic foraminiferal faunas. A total of 82 species were identified. Census data were obtained for different species in each sample and the statistically significant fractional abundances values (≥5%) were analyzed using a Q-mode cluster analysis. Samples were segregated into four clusters, each having its peculiar benthic faunal assemblage (biotope), reflecting particular environmental conditions. These clusters are: (1) the Ammonia beccarii forma tepida Biotope, found in samples located in areas with waters of low energy, characterizing semi-closed basin conditions, with muddy or sandy mud bottom sediments (Harbor Proper); (2) the Quinqueloculina spp. Biotope, found in samples collected from depths bathed by turbid inner shelf conditions with some fresh water inflow and sandy bottom sediments (Harbor’s environs); (3) the Peneroplis-Amphistegina Biotope, found in samples collected from depths characterizing marine shelf environments with calcareous algae, and medium to very coarse calcareous sands (the Gulf of Kanayis and the Abu Hashafa Bay); (4) the Triloculina trigonula-Adelosina laevigata Biotope was represented by only one sample (at the far eastern part of the Gulf of Kanayis), collected from a site exhibiting very restricted environmental conditions. The study suggests that nutrients, turbidity, light intensity, type of substrate, and salinity are the main ecological factors controllingthe distribution of benthic foraminifera.