A modified tape-peel technique for preparing permanent qualitative microfossil slides

A method is described for the preparation of permanent microfossil mounts directly transferred from the surface of frozen lake sediment cores. Particulate material is transferred from the freeze dried vertical surfaces of frozen cores and on to microscope slides using transparent adhesive tape and contact cement. The contact cement and organic matter are then removed by combustion and chemical means and the isolated siliceous microfossils fixed in a permanent mounting resin. The technique produces slides with undisturbed sediment stratigraphy and excellent optical quality and permits the study of core microstratigraphy using high resolution phase or interference contrast microscopy.