DIATOMS

Centric Pennate

DIATOMS: Microscopic photosynthetic organisms with siliceous secondary plant walls termed "frustules." Mostly 20 - 100 µm, and generally of two forms: pennate or centric. Marine and freshwater organisms of various ecological preferences -- planktonic, benthic, etc. Diatoms are destroyed by hydrofluoric acid so they are never present in routine palynological preparations, and diatom processing involves treatment with strong oxidizing agents, which destroys pollen. References: Bradbury, J.P. 1975. Diatom stratigraphy and human settlement in Minnesota. Special Pap. Geol. Soc. Amer. 171 74 pp. Stockner J.G. and W.W. Benson 1967. The succession of diatom assemblages in the recent sediments of Lake Washington. Limnol. Oceanogr. 12:513-532. Vinyard, W.C. 1979. Diatoms of North America. Mad River Press. Links: Eureka: Diatoms 'Nature's Marbles' Diatom Home Page Indiana Univ. Diatom Paleolimnology Data Cooperative Home Page