About

The Nannoworks Laboratory is primarily focused on the utilization of microfossils (coccolithophores, foraminifera, dinoflagellates and diatoms) or the biologic components of sediments to understand past (and present) geologic and oceanographic environments and processes. With this objective, the laboratory trains undergraduate and graduate students to do research in the application of these fossils and present their results in local and international conferences, and publish articles in journals.

Research works in the last several years have focused on the use of these microfossils as biostratigraphic tools in refining the Philippine biostratigraphy (Leyte, Tanay, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Batanes, Catanduanes, Ilocos, etc.), and as paleoceanographic and paleoclimate proxies in inland seas, lakes and coastal environments (South China Sea, Subic Bay, Lingayen Gulf, Marinduque Bays, Sulu Sea, Bohol Sea, Sorsogon Bay, Tanguines Lagoon in Camiguin, Western Pacific, etc.). These organisms, such as the benthic foraminifera are also used for environmental monitoring as they are utilized as pollution indicators, bioindicators of coral reef vitality using FORAM index, impact of mine tailings and oil spill, and effect of organic matter loading.