Diatom Microfossils in Archaeological Settings

Abstract

The full potential of diatom microfossils in archeology has yet to be realized. Here were present a review of the use of diatoms in archeological settings. Included in this, we explain what diatoms are, the important components of their morphology, how they can be recovered from a range of materials, and how to distinguish these microfossils from other siliceous fossils with which they might be confused. We discuss their ability to provide robust environmental information from sites within and adjacent to archeological sites, along with specific examples from case studies that have used diatoms. We also recommend ways to avoid potential interpretive biases.