Palynology of a late Oturi Interglacial and early Otira Glacial sequence from Sunday Creek (S51), Westland, New Zealand

Abstract

Sixteen samples from peat overlying a last interglacial raised beach deposit (Awatuna Formation) exposed at Sunday Creek, north Westland, were examined for pollen and spores. The results show a change from Nothofagus-dominant to Gramineae-dominant floras, indicating a cooling sequence from the Oturi (last) Interglacial to the Otira Glacial. Six new radiocarbon dates from the peat are included.