Taxon Contributors
Contributors produce comprehensive documentation on diatoms, leading to consistent and correct taxonomy.
Diatoms of North America
We aim to provide accurate information on diatom morphology, nomenclature, ecology, and geographic distribution.
Our content is created by over 100 contributors, from students to expert taxonomists, guided by an Editorial Review Board.
Join our live Diatom Web Academy series, or listen to recorded presentations.
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 164 genera completed to date.
Species
Identification guides, original descriptions, citations, autecological information and more for 990 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
02 March 2021
WEBINAR: The genus Navicula
Description: The genus Navicula is the largest genus within the diatoms, with over 900 species reported from freshwaters of North America....
02 March 2021
Diatom Web Academy 2021
The Diatom Web Academy continues... Sessions are recorded and can be accessed for later viewing. You are invited to join us, wherever you may be,...
16 February 2021
WEBINAR: Microalgae-based biofuels
Description: Microalgae-based biofuels are a promising renewable liquid fuel that can directly replace petroleum. Algal biomass can also be used...
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.
