Siliceous Nannoplankton

Siliceous nannoplankton are tiny, single-celled algae that float in the upper layers of the ocean. They produce shells made of silica, a glass-like substance, which accumulate on the seafloor after they die. These microscopic organisms play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle by contributing to the sedimentary record and influencing ocean chemistry. Their silica shells help scientists study past climate changes and ocean conditions, as these remains preserve well in sediment layers over millions of years.