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| Some characteristics of the data |
| The data presented are the taxonomic compositions of diatom assemblages
expressed in relative frequencies and, in the case of Solstice Lake, their absolute
abundance per gram of dried sediment. The primary months reflected by the diatom data are
the latter part of July, August, and the first half of September. This period represents
the time of open water, and hence of main diatom production. However, it is noted that the
duration of ice-free conditions is conditioned by winter and spring conditions, and that
many diatoms are adapted to low-light conditions and may therefore grow beneath even thick
ice cover. |
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