Article: Distribution maps of Recent dinoflagellate cysts in bottom sediments from the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas

Distribution maps have been drawn for forty-two extant species of dinoflagellate cysts recovered from bottom sediments in the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Data have been compiled from published and unpublished work for a total of one hundred and forty-two sample stations. The maps clearly show the influence of the North Atlantic circulation pattern, and areas of convergence, on the patterns of dinoflagellate cyst distribution. Areas of concentrations of cyst species are noted and discussed, as are the differing distribution patterns of several cysts that have at some time been referable to a single thecate species. The differences of distribution between neritic and oceanic cyst assemblages is clearly demarcated. Finally a tentative broad ecological classification of cyst types is attempted. Impagidinium aculeatum (Wall) and I. sphaericum (Wall) are proposed as new combinations.