Taxon Contributors
Contributors produce comprehensive documentation on diatoms, leading to consistent and correct taxonomy.
A heartfelt 'THANK YOU' to everyone who contributed to our fundraising campaign. We have received over $10,800 toward our $25,000 goal. If the rest of our users provide just $5, we can make our goal.
Diatoms of North America provides analysts, academics and managers with tools for diatom taxonomy, nomenclature and ecology
Federal, tribal, state and local agencies use Diatoms of North America to monitor water quality and comply with the Clean Water Act
We aim to create a comprehensive diatom flora, accessible to everyone. With over 200 contributing taxonomists, from students-in-training to seasoned professionals, collaborate in producing an ambitious flora
Become a taxon contributor Learn more
Diatoms of North America is a collaborative work in progress, growing and changing as science advances.
Taxa by Morphology
New to diatoms? Jump into diatom identification using the visual key.
Editorial Review Board
Using diatoms in assessment? Specify the use of Diatoms of North America in contracts and task agreements.
What are Diatoms?
Diatoms are single-celled algae that live nearly everywhere there is water - streams, ponds, lakes, oceans, and even soils.
For practitioners
Taxon
Identification Guide
Genera
Classification information, citations, links and species listings for 201 genera completed to date.
Species
Identification guides, original descriptions, citations, autecological information and more for 1107 species and growing.
We encourage new contributors to submit taxon pages.
This project depends on many people to document the diverse diatom flora of streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, springs, soils, estuaries and coastal zones.
Recent News & Projects
08 January 2025
Diatom Web Academy 2025
Join Diatom Web Academy 2025! We offer a series of live, online seminars. Join us and be part of the discussion! If you are not able to attend the...
Standing on the shoulders of giants
Marine megafauna are an evolutionary playground for diatoms.
25 December 2024
Diatom Web Academy 2024
The recorded presentations from the 2024 series can be viewed by selecting each talk of interest. ARCHIVE Beth CaissieDiatoms in sea ice: the...
Diatoms of North America has been developed in part with the generous funding and support of US EPA, USGS, the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research at University of Colorado Boulder and other organizations.
