Late-Glacial - Holocene climate and vegetation in "Sierra de Neila" (Northwestern Iberian Range, Spain)

Abstract

The palynological analysis of a core from a deposit of glacial origin located in Sierra de Neila (Northwestern Iberian Range) together with ten radiocarbon ages have allowed to propose a climatic sequence for the end of the last glacial cycle and the Holocene in the studied area. A climatic amelioration phase before 17.150 « 100 BP(20.965 - 19.875 cal. BP) has been identified. From that moment lasting to 9.700 « 50 BP(11.200 -11.080 cal. BP) there were climatic oscillations, with cold and arid pulses alternating with warming phases. The Dryas I event began at 12.040 « 40 BP(15.115 - 14.790 cal. BP), the Late-Glacial Interstadial at 11.420 « 70 BP(13.795 - 13.665 cal. BP) and the Dryas III event at 10.650 « 60 BP (12.945 - 12.610 cal. BP). The expansion of the aboreal taxa starting from 9.700 « 50 BP (11.200 -11.080 cal. BP) define the beginning of the present interglacial period, the Holocene, that is characterized in this sequence by the progressive stabilization of the climate. In the vegetation dynamics stands out the Corylus presence since before 17.150 « 100 BP (20.965 - 19.875 cal. BP). The same occurs with Fagus, although this taxon only exists during the warming phases at the end of the last glacial cycle, beginning its continuous occurrence in the vegetation of the area at 8.010 « 30 BP (9.010 - 8.770 cal. BP).