This paper describes a technique for the enumeration of tephra shards
from lake sediment cores whereby approximately 85% of unwanted sedimen
t fractions (organic matter, biogenic silica, carbonates) are removed
by selective stepwise chemical attack The order of 100 samples can be
prepared simultaneously in a modest-sized water-bath and the recovery
rate of the technique is greater than 90%. The procedure is applicable
to all lake sediment types.