Fig. 1 in Procedures for Obtaining Optimal SEM Images of Coccolithophore Debris in Coccolith Limestones

Fig. 1. CCI images of coccolith material in different stages of fragmentation within faecal pellets in coccolith limestone. Cross−sections of complete and dismembered, variously oriented, coccospheres allow to observe their structures. A. Perpendicular cross−section of a coccosphere with well visible distal (d) and proximal (p) shields of placoliths joined by parallel calcite crystallites in wide central area (c). Interlocking of adjacent edges of placolith shields is particularly well visible. The structure of the central area is well visible as a net in horizontal cross−section of the plate in the right (c1), ZNG PAN B−III−75/3. B. Perpendicular cross−sections of coccospheres clearly show distal (d) and proximal (p) shields of placoliths, and central areas (c). The central areas are seen as narrow massive or open structures, depending on the orientation of cross−sections (compare c and c1). Note the very tight interlocking of adjacent edges of placolith shields and additional placoliths (x) within the coccosphere. The structures closing the central area are seen as a narrow open structure in horizontal view of placoliths (c2), ZNG PAN B−III−75/5. Both images were obtained in ESEM using SE under low vacuum, from non−coated polished thin section at WD, 10.1 mm, SS, 37 s/frame.