Pollen and Oxygen Isotope Analyses on Late- and Post-Glacial Sediments of the Tourbière de Chirens (Dauphiné, France)

Abstract

The sequence of vegetation phases in the late Glacial was studied in a sediment section from the bog Tourbière de Chirens by means of pollen analysis. 18O/16O ratios of samples of lacustrine marl, obtained from the same profile, reflect variations of 18O/16O in precipitation and thus provide an additional, independent paleoclimatic record. The observed 18O/16O variations agree well with the climatic history as deduced from pollen analysis. The climatic transition from the Oldest Dryas to the Bølling period sensu lato, as well as the beginning and end of the Younger Dryas cold phase, is marked by abrupt changes in the 18O/16O ratio which were observed also in other regions of the Alps. These drastic climatic changes probably took place simultaneously over large areas of Central Europe and occurred within short time spans.