Vegetation dynamics in the Rostov lowland (Yaroslavl oblast) during the Late Glacial and Holocene based on a new pollen data

Abstract

Our reconstructions of vegetation changes are based on the results of pollen analysis that was carried out for the sedimentary sequence located on the lacustrine-alluvial terrace west of Lake Nero. To clarify our conclusions, six ¹⁴C dates were obtained and an age-depth model based on these dates was constructed. It is established that open spruce-birch forests were widespread during the Allerød and Younger Dryas. Since the Preboreal stage of the Holocene, a peat bog began to form surrounded by pine and birch forests with spruce. The Boreal stage was marked by an increased role of broad-leaved trees in the forests. During the Atlantic period, climatic conditions became warmer and spruce-pine forests with thermophilous deciduous trees started to grow. The vegetation cover of the Late Holocene (SB-SA periods) was dominated by spruce forests with pine and birch.