Synopsis
The dinoflagellate cyst and benthonic foraminiferal analysis of the Quaternary sediments of borehole SLN 75/33 in the central-northern North Sea has resulted in the formulation of a climatostratigraphy which is believed to encompass sediments ranging in age from Ipswichian (Eemian) to Recent. Since the areal distribution of the organisms involved is thought to be controlled by water mass, an oceanographic history is attempted for the late Quaternary of the North Sea. This involves the penetration of North Atlantic water and the establishment of a homothermal water mass which allowed high percentages of “species of southern origin” into the area at times of strong climatic amelioration, and the loss of a North Atlantic influence during periods of climatic deterioration. Weaker ameliorations are more difficult to interpret but probably relate to some influence of North Atlantic water and a slight increase of water temperatures in relation to times of climatic deterioration, allowing only low percentages of “southern forms” into the area.