Oozes that are formed primarily from the calcareous tests, shells or frustules of foraminifera, cocolithophores, pteropods and other calcareous plankton. These are most abundant in water at depths shallower than the Carbon Compensation Depth (~ 4000 m), because below this depth carbonate is usually dissolved given the colder and slightly more acidic waters.
Level 4 definitions
- Coccolithophore: Carbonate oozes dominated by the tests and shells of cocolithophores.
- Foraminifera: Carbonate oozes dominated by the tests and shells of foraminifera.
- Pteropod: Carbonate oozes dominated by the tests and shells of pteropods.
