Age and vegetational history of the coastal dunes in the Frisian islands, the Netherlands

Abstract

This paper presents the results of radiocarbon datings and pollen analyses of the coastal dunes of the Frisian islands off the northern coast of The Netherlands. The oldest dates obtained at each individual island decrease in an easterly direction and range from about 2800 BP for Vlieland to about 400 BP for Schiermonnikoog. Two types of deposits are distinguished: a. Older Dunes and b. Younger Dunes. The Older Dunes are characterized by intercalated organic beds. They formed between well before the beginning of the Christian era (e.g., on the island of Vlieland) and 755 + 45 BP, locally even as late as 625 ± 50 BP (Ameland) or 430 ± 45 BP (Schiermonnikoog). The Younger Dune deposits, in which humic intercalations are very rare are related to a relief of parabolic dunes of considerable elevation. The formation of the Younger Dunes started before approximately AD 1400 (probably even more than a century earlier), and continues up to the present. A comparison with the coastal dune area of the Western Netherlands is discussed as well as some characteristics of the vegetational development.