Aspects of the Flandrian vegetational history of south-west Scotland, with special reference to possible Mesolithic impact

The potential factor of Mesolithic impact on the vegetation of south-west Scotland from c. 10 000 - 5000 b. p. was investigated by pollen and charcoal analysis of small peat-filled basins and blanket peat near to the sites of lithics and in the context of subsequent vegetational history (from c. 5000 b. p.). Attention focused on upland sites by Loch Doon and Loch Dee. Upland areas by Clatteringshaws Loch and a site at Palnure near the coast provided a late and relatively incomplete record respectively. Two cores were collected at each of Loch Doon and Loch Dee to enable comparison of microfossil stratigraphies. At Loch Doon several cores were analysed across the rise in Alnus. Preliminary counts were made from a core from Loch Doon itself. Radiocarbon dating gave additional confidence to the chronological framework. The availability of comparable pollen data enabled some distinction between local and more regional vegetational events. The charcoal profiles were more problematical to interpret, but the contrast between a very low level of charcoal prior to a rise in the early postglacial (Fl I) at both Loch Doon and Loch Dee may prove to be of regional significance. The strongest evidence for local Mesolithic disturbance came from Loch Dee. The results from the small-basin sites were contrasted with those previously recorded from larger mires and loch sediments.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

d_ph

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

d_ph

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Birmingham

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Newell, Patrick J.

• GB Physical geography