Atlas of Himalayan Diatoms. 2025. 37plates. VIII, 160 p. Hardcover.

Diatoms, often referred to as microscopic palaces of glass, are a designer’s imagination come to life, exhibiting a wide variety of symmetries. These two-valve structures are the largest group of algae and represent one of the seven distinct phylogenetic lineages, with an estimated 1 to 10 million species yet to be described. Diatoms are highly evolved, unicellular, eukaryotic aquatic organisms, found in almost every aquatic environment. Each species possesses a unique shape and size, making them highly distinctive. The Atlas of Himalayan Diatoms is the first of its kind for the Indian Himalayan Region, documenting the diatom flora from theAlaknanda-Ganga, Mandakini basin, and Doon Valley. It presents 37 plates with numerous figures, arranged in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. The diatom species from all genera are listed in alphabetical order. Additionally, the distribution of diatom species across Indian inland waters is provided at the end of the atlas. The text includes descriptions and images of the sampled locations, offering background information on the Doon Valley and Lesser Himalayas. It also provides detailed physical and chemical characteristics of the aquatic habitats studied, which will be invaluable for readers engaged in research and development studies.