Pollen Analysis
All pollen work undertaken also includes the analysis of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), or the other things found on pollen slides. These can often be as informative (or more so) than the pollen results. For more information on NPPs, please see the blog posts for examples.
We undertake assessment and analysis of sub-samples from a range of sites, both on-site and off-site. On-site contexts include, ditches, pits, well, moats, watering holes, palaeochannels, and other contexts that are suitable for the survival of pollen including those that have been desiccated and those that have been protected by metal objects.
Levels of reporting
We offer three levels of pollen reporting:
-
Presence/absence assessment
This entails a qualitative scan of the slides to assess for preservation, condition, abundance of pollen and NPPs, and the main taxa present. This gives an indication of whether full analysis should be undertaken and allows for more precise targeting of future samples for full analysis. Comment is also made about potential for further understanding of vegetation change and human activity on the site.
- Counted assessment
As above, except either 100 or 150 land pollen grains are counted, this allows for a quantitative assessment to be made.
-
Full analysis
This includes counts of 300 land pollen grains, as well as the inclusion of a pollen diagram (providing an adequate number of samples have been analyses).
Sub-sampling
We offer a range of options for sub-sampling, that include:
-
Site visits and sampling in the field.
-
Sub-sampling from monoliths that have been couriered to our labs.
-
Receiving sub-samples directly from the client (please contact us first to discuss this, to ensure the correct proceedure is followed).
-
Receiving prepped pollen slides.
No two projects have the same requirements, so please do get in touch and we can provide a quote based on your needs.