Palynology of Lake Motykino in the Holocene (Vologda region, Northwestern part of European Russia)

Abstract

This work is dedicated to studying the dynamics of vegetation and natural-climatic conditions in the Mologo-Sheksninskaya lowland in the north of the East European Plain during the Holocene. Lake Motykino, located in the Darwin Nature Biosphere Reserve, was chosen as the research object due to its unique location and preservation of relic lake deposits. Radiocarbon dating and pollen analysis were conducted. The research results are presented in the form of a lithological description of the sediment column, stratigraphic analysis, and a pollen diagram divided into five local pollen zones, reflecting the succession of plant communities from periglacial landscapes in the Late Glacial to the formation of boreal forests in the Holocene. Analysis of pollen spectra allowed for the identification of key periods in the vegetation history of the region, from 13,300 cal BP to 400 cal BP, and to track changes in vegetation composition and peat formation processes.