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.
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I undertake assessment and analysis of sub-samples from both on-site and off-site contexts. 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
I offer two levels of pollen reporting:
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Presence/absence assessment
This entails a qualitative scan of the slides
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- Counted assessment
This entails a count of 100 land pollen grains 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. ​
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Full analysis
This ​includes counts of 300 land pollen grains, as well as the inclusion of a pollen diagram (providing more than five samples have been analysed).
Sub-sampling
I offer a range of options for sub-sampling, that include:​
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Sub-sampling from monoliths that have been couriered to me.
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Receiving sub-samples directly from the client (please contact me first to discuss this, to ensure the correct proceedure is followed).
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Receiving prepped pollen slides.
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Please note that I no longer undertake fieldwork, or sampling in the field, if you require this, get in touch and I can advise who to contact.
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No two projects have the same requirements, so do get in touch and I can provide a quote based on your needs.