Studies on the peat deposits of the island of Foula, Shetland

Abstract

The results of macroscopic and pollen analytical studies on the island of Foula, Shetland, are described and discussed. The tree pollen count never exceeds 11% of the total pollen count in the pollen diagrams. The dominant vegetation of the island during the period which is represented by the peat deposits is shown to have been Ericaceous heath. Macroscopic studies show that although several species of tree did once occur on the island they were never a dominant part of the island's vegetation. It was found impossible to date the peat deposits on the basis of pollen diagrams in view of the extremely low values of the tree pollen curves.