Holocene vegetation history of the Western Caucasus inferred from high-resolution pollen record from Lake Khuko

Abstract

The paper presents the new paleoecological evidence for the last 10,000 years based on high resolution pollen record supported by detail radiocarbon dating, obtained from the Khuko Lake (Western Caucasus). The obtained results showed that change of vegetation corresponding main Holocene stages. 10368-10577 – 8000-8200 cal. yr BP – Boreal period was characterized in this region by the presence of both broad-leaved (Fagus, Ulmus) and coniferous (Abies) species to an equal. 8000-4400 cal. yr BP – Atlantic period was marked by predominance of broad-leaved forests have been formed mainly by beech and a little hornbeam. 4400-2600 cal. yr BP – Subboreal period is characterized by an increase in the role of boreal vegetation (Abies, Pinus). 2600 cal. yr BP up now – Subatlantic period looked like Atlantic period, but at this time declined value of coniferous species and grew value of alder and hazel.