Dinoflagellate cysts, porosity, mass density data of sediment core GeoB20305-7 (Madeira Abyssal Plain) Cruise MSM48

We report on the succession of selective degradation of dinoflagellate cyst species that can be considered representative for discrete particulate organic matter (POM) classes of different degradability. The effects of anaerobic and aerobic degradation as well as bioturbation in a natural setting are documented in high resolution by means of palynological and geochemical analyses on Madeira Abyssal Plain A- and F-turbidites. These turbidites are unique as their initial ungraded sediments are affected by a downward penetrating oxydation front. The dataset covers the density, porosity, water content and dinoflagellate cysts content of sediments from the so called A- and F-turbidite.