Diatom (1 of 3) (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Pennate (elongated) diatoms found in an ice core from the Quelccaya Summit Dome Glacier were among many samples identified by scientists at Rice University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Ohio State University. They suspect the freshwater diatoms, a type of algae, were blown there from nearby high-elevation ponds as far back as the sixth century. Credit Bruce Brinson/Rice University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.