Methodological aspects of paleo-ecological diatom research in coastal areas of the Netherlands

A major problem in paleo-ecological research of diatoms in tidal environments is the distinction of autochthonous and allochthonous diatom valves. A new approach applying several diatom- and non-diatomrelated criteria is introduced in order to solve the autochthonous/allochthonous problem. A classification of coastal diatoms in ecological groups, and the relation between these ecological groups and the sedimentary environments are discussed.