1887

Abstract

This study describes the results of palynological analysis from shallow cores collected from the Volga Delta. The sediments studied are of Holocene to Late Pleistocene age. The results can be compared to the Pliocene "paleo"-Volga, the Productive Series of Azerbaijan. Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene deposits consist of reddish-brown clays. Channel deposits contain frequent Mesozoic reworking. The pollen and spores give an indication of vegetation change on land, particularly in relation to climate. Caspian dinocysts are restricted to low salinity waters, (within the range of 5 to 12 ‰). Salix (willow)pollen gives a proxy of channel migration over time. Tilia (lime) pollen is locally frequent and represents a climatic optimum. Aquatic pollen indicates the relative extent of reedbeds and open water habitats. The first phase of delta deposition occurred after c.7000 BP and is marked by a “flood” of brackish dinocysts, overlain by an interval with increased freshwater components. The second occurs after c.3000 BP and consists of several transgressive episodes, coinciding with increased Pinus (pine) pollen from the hinterland, and also by increased Mesozoic reworking. This suggests that the outflow of freshwater from the Volga River contributes to Caspian Sea level rise.

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.20146109
2008-10-06
2024-03-29
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.20146109
Loading
This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error