Pollen analysis in reconstruction of paleo vegetation on the southwestern part of the Yamal Peninsula

Nigamatzyanova, Gulnara; Nigmatullin , N.M.; Frolova,  L.A.

doi:10.31951/2658-3518-2024-A-4-757

Authors

Nigamatzyanova G.R. ^{1, 2}
Nigmatullin N.M. ¹
Frolova L.A. ^{1, 2}

¹

²

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31951/2658-3518-2024-A-4-757

Keywords:

Holocene, pollen and spore, biomes reconstruction, lake sediments, paleoecology, Subarctic tundra

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the pollen palynomorphs from the bottom sediments of an unnamed tundra lake whilst attempt to reconstruct the past vegetation and paleoecological conditions for the southwestern part of the Yamal Peninsula. 34 pollen (11 boreal, 18 arboreal) and 5 spore palynomorphs were identified. Pollen spectra characterized by a predominance of arboreal pollen (Betula sect. Nanae, Betula sect. Albae, Alnus). It was found in the range of ~6000-5100 cal. yr BP during the Holocene optimum birch forest and shrubby vegetation with bogs has been developed in the lake’s catchment area. The tundra biome was dominant, however, around ~5800 cal. yr BP, the indicator of the taiga biome increases to maximal values. Since the beginning of the Subatlantic period (~2200 cal. yr BP), local vegetation began to evolve into the modern southern tundra with shrubs (dwarf birch, alder, willow), and sedge-sphagnum bogs in lowlands.