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Caitlin Reynolds

Caitlin Reynolds is a Geologist at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Paleoceanographic Proxy Calibration

sediment trap mooring deployed in the Gulf of Mexico

A sediment trap time series in the northern Gulf of Mexico is used to better assess the control of environmental variables (e.g., temperature and salinity) on the flux of both microfossils and molecular fossils to the sediments. 

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Featured Publication

Photo of planktic foraminifers from the Gulf of Mexico sediment trap seen through the microscope

Environmental controls on the geochemistry of Globorotalia truncatulinoides in the Gulf of Mexico: Implications for paleoceanographic reconstructions

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My research primarily focuses on a climate history calibration study in the Gulf of Mexico. The goal is to provide a better understanding of current paleoenvironmental proxies, such as planktic foraminifera. Using a sediment trap mooring to collect foraminifera, we also analyze corresponding temperature and salinity data that is used for our modern calibration. The modern calibration and geochemistry can then be applied to records from deep-sea sediments collected over longer time scales. My favorite foraminifera is Globorotalia truncatulinoides!

I have also been lucky enough to be a part of various interdisciplinary field work studies in Mobile Bay, Seahorse Key, The Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park and cruises on multiple large research vessels across the Gulf of Mexico.

Professional Experience

  • U.S. Geological Survey, Geologist, St. Petersburg, FL, 2008-present

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. - Geological Oceanography (2018) The University of South Florida, College of Marine Science

  • B.A. - Geology (2008) The University of Akron

Science and Products

Barium enrichment in the non-spinose planktic foraminifer, Globorotalia truncatulinoides

Observations of elevated barium-to-calcium ratios (Ba/Ca) in Globorotalia truncatulinoides have been attributed to contaminant phases, deep calcification depth and diagenetic processes. Here we investigate intra- and inter-test Ba/Ca variability in the non-spinose planktic foraminifer, G. truncatulinoides, from a sediment trap time series in the northern Gulf of Mexico to gain insights into the en
Authors
Julie N. Richey, Jennifer S. Fehrenbacher, Caitlin E. Reynolds, Catherine Z. Davis, Howard J. Spero
By
Climate Research and Development Program, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Considerations for Globigerinoides ruber (white and pink) paleoceanography: Comprehensive insights from a long‐running sediment trap

We present a detailed analysis of the seasonal distribution, size, morphological variability and geochemistry of co‐occurring pink and white chromotypes of Globigerinoides ruberfrom a high‐resolution (1–2 weeks) and long‐running sediment trap time series in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We find no difference in the seasonal flux of the two chromotypes. Although flux of G. ruber is consistently lowe
Authors
Julie N. Richey, Kaustubh Thirumalai, Deborah Khider, Caitlin E. Reynolds, Judson W. Partin, Terrence M. Quinn
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Environmental controls on the geochemistry of Globorotalia truncatulinoides in the Gulf of Mexico: Implications for paleoceanographic reconstructions

Modern observations of planktic foraminifera from sediment trap studies help to constrain the regional ecology of paleoceanographically valuable species. Results from a weekly-resolved sediment trap time series (2008–2014) in the northern Gulf of Mexico demonstrate that 92% of Globorotalia truncatulinoides flux occurs in winter (January, February, and March), and that encrusted and non-encrusted i
Authors
Caitlin E. Reynolds, Julie N. Richey, Jennifer S. Fehrenbacher, Brad E. Rosenheim, Howard J. Spero
By
Climate Research and Development Program, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Seasonal flux and assemblage composition of planktic foraminifera from the northern Gulf of Mexico, 2008–14

The U.S. Geological Survey anchored a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico in January 2008 to collect seasonal time-series data on the flux and assemblage composition of live planktic foraminifers. This report provides an update of the previous time-series data to include continuous results from January 2013 through May 2014. Ten taxa constituted ~95 percent of both the 2013 and 2014 assem
Authors
Caitlin E. Reynolds, Julie N. Richey
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico

Lunar periodicity in the shell flux of planktonic foraminifera in the Gulf of Mexico

Synchronised reproduction offers clear benefits to planktonic foraminifera – an important group of marine calcifiers – as it increases the chances of successful gamete fusion. Such synchrony requires tuning to an internal or external clock. Evidence exists for lunar reproductive cycles in some species, but its recognition in shell flux time series has proven difficult, raising questions about repr
Authors
Lukas Jonkers, Caitlin E. Reynolds, Julie N. Richey, Ian R. Hall
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico

Weekly resolution particulate flux from a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico, 2008-2012

The U.S. Geological Survey anchored a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico to collect time-series data on sediment flux from 2008 to 2012. There are continuous measurements of total mass flux and organic carbon flux (ogC) at 7–14 day resolution from 2008 to 2012. The flux of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), particulate nitrogen (nitro), and biogenic silica (Opal) were also measured from January-
Authors
Julie N. Richey, Caitlin E. Reynolds, Eric Tappa, Robert Thunell
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico

Seasonal flux and assemblage composition of planktic foraminifera from the northern Gulf of Mexico, 2008-2012

The U.S. Geological Survey anchored a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico beginning in 2008 to collect seasonal time-series data on the flux and assemblage composition of live planktic foraminifers. This report provides an update of the previous time-series data to include results from 2012. Ten species, or varieties, constituted ~92 percent of the 2012 assemblage: Globigerinoides ruber (
Authors
Caitlin E. Reynolds, Julie N. Richey, Richard Z. Poore
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico

Seasonal flux and assemblage composition of planktic foraminifera from the northern Gulf of Mexico, 2008-11

The U.S. Geological Survey anchored a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico to collect seasonal time-series data on the flux and assemblage composition of live planktic foraminifers. This report provides an update of the previous time-series data to include results from 2011. Ten species, or varieties, constituted ~92 percent of the 2011 assemblage: Globigerinoides ruber (pink and white var
Authors
Caitlin E. Reynolds, Richard Z. Poore
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico

Seasonal flux and assemblage composition of planktic foraminifera from the northern Gulf of Mexico, 2008-2010

The U.S. Geological Survey anchored a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico to collect seasonal time-series data on the flux and assemblage composition of live planktic foraminifers. This report provides an update of the previous time-series data to include results from 2010. Ten species, or varieties, of planktic foraminifers constituted ~90 percent of the assemblage: Globigerinoides ruber
Authors
Jessica W. Spear, Caitlin E. Reynolds, Richard Z. Poore
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico

Benthic habitat classification in Lignumvitae Key Basin, Florida Bay, using the U.S. Geological Survey Along-Track Reef Imaging System (ATRIS)

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) funded in partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District, and other Federal, local and Tribal members has in its mandate a guideline to protect and restore freshwater flows to coastal environments to pre-1940s conditions (CERP, 1999). Historic salinity data are sparse for Florida Bay, so it is diffi
Authors
C. D. Reich, D.G. Zawada, P.R. Thompson, C.E. Reynolds, A.H. Spear, D.K. Umberger, R. Z. Poore
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Photo of planktic foraminifers from the Gulf of Mexico sediment trap seen through the microscope

Paleoceanographic Proxy Calibration

A sediment trap time series in the northern Gulf of Mexico is used to better assess the control of environmental variables (e.g., temperature and salinity) on the flux of both microfossils and molecular fossils to the sediments. The information gained from sediment trap studies is used to develop better proxy-based estimates of past oceanographic conditions from analyses of microfossils and...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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Paleoceanographic Proxy Calibration

A sediment trap time series in the northern Gulf of Mexico is used to better assess the control of environmental variables (e.g., temperature and salinity) on the flux of both microfossils and molecular fossils to the sediments. The information gained from sediment trap studies is used to develop better proxy-based estimates of past oceanographic conditions from analyses of microfossils and...
Learn More
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Multicores onboard the research vessel Pelican

Climate and Environmental Change in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

This project documents paleoceanographic, climatic, and environmental changes in the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent land areas over the last 10,000 years. The paleoenvironmental data is used to determine rates of change in the past, and to better understand both the natural and anthropogenic factors that contribute to climate variability on inter-annual to millennial timescales.
By
Climate Research and Development Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Climate and Environmental Change in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

This project documents paleoceanographic, climatic, and environmental changes in the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent land areas over the last 10,000 years. The paleoenvironmental data is used to determine rates of change in the past, and to better understand both the natural and anthropogenic factors that contribute to climate variability on inter-annual to millennial timescales.
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Globorotalia truncatulinoides Sediment Trap Data in the Gulf of Mexico

Modern observations of planktic foraminifera from sediment trap studies help to constrain the regional ecology of paleoceanographically valuable species. Results from a weekly-resolved sediment trap time series (2008-2014) in the northern Gulf of Mexico demonstrate that 92% of Globorotalia truncatulinoides flux occurs in winter (January, February, and March), and that encrusted and non-encrusted i
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Scientist in fieldwork gear standing with 2 sediment traps on a research vessel
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People in hard hats operate scientific equipment on the deck of a research vessel at sea. One holds a large yellow funnel.
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people in life vests taking water samples from a large cylindrical piece of scientific equipment on board a research vessel
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A woman in USGS shirt and hat sits on the ground next to a cylindrical frame holding several clear plastic tubes
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Caitlin Reynolds is heading out to the Gulf of Mexico to continue a study on sediment flux

Caitlin and a group of Eckerd College students getting their first research cruise experience will head out on the R/V Weatherbird II on May 28, 2023...

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R/V Pelican Research Cruise with Dr. Julie Richey and Caitlin Reynolds from the Climate R&D Program

Dive into what it is like aboard a scientific research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico with Dr. Ariana Sutton-Grier. A very special thank you to Dr...

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Sediment trap in Gulf of Mexico recovered one last time, marking the culmination of a 12-year time series

Julie Richey, Caitlin Reynolds, and colleagues retrieved a sediment trap from the northern Gulf of Mexico during a 3-day cruise (February 7–9, 2020)...

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New method to reconstruct winter ocean temperatures of the past

This article is part of the Spring 2019 issue of the Earth Science Matters Newsletter.

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A new study in Marine Micropaleontology proposes a new proxy for winter sea surface temperatures in the past

Caitlin Reynolds and Julie Richey (Geologists, USGS, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center), along with colleagues from University of South...

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Science and Products