A palynological study of a Holocene deposit from Grand-Bongard (Hautes-Fagnes, Belgium)

Abstract

A peat deposit from a valley in the Hautes-Fagnes was studied palynologically. The radiocarbon-dated pollen profile spans most of the Holocene and constitutes one of the most detailed records of post-glacial vegetational changes in E. Belgium. The peat formation started near a Betula-Pinus forest and five regional pollen zones could be distinguished. The first zone is dominated by Pinus and, Betula (preboreal), the second by Corylus (Boreal) and the third by Alnus (Atlantic). The elm decline and the first signs of human influence charactetize the fourth zone (Subboreal). The fifth zone (Subatlanticum) shows maxima of Fagus and Carpinus and an obvious increase of human influence (e.g., Cerealia). The peat succession in situ took place under mesotrophic conditions as a consequence of the geographical situation of the site near the rivulet Helle. Although there has been some variation in the moisture conditions at the site, the drainage in the valley was so constant that extreme fluctuations did not occur.