Palynological and palaeobotanical studies in the Southern Cape

[摘要] This thesis consists of five separate studies(Chapters 2-6), each presented in the form of a selfcontained research paper. Chapter 2 deals with theanalysis of palynomorph (pollen and spore) assemblages,while Chapters 3 to 6 deal with the analysis of charcoalassemblages.The pollen record preserved in the 3 m deep NorgaPeat, located on the coastal platform west of the town ofGeorge (Fig.l.l), was analysed using measures of relativeabundance of identified pollen types and by measures ofpollen concentration. Evidence for three climatic phasesin the last 4 000 years was obtained. In the earliestphase 4000 - 2500 B.P. conditions were favourable for thespread of forest, the climate was equable and adequaterain was received in summer. From 2500 - 1800 B.P. theclimate was less favourable and west of George, forestvegetation only survived in protected and relatively wellwatered kloofs and lower mountain slopes. The climatethen ameliorated and since 1800 B.P. conditions have beensimilar to the present. However, the present day climateis not as favourable for forest vegetation as was theclimate during the Holocene climatic optimum before 2500B. P •The Cango Valley lies 75 km north of the Norga site,inland of the town of Oudtshoorn and below the Swartberg Mountains. ...

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University