A comparison of modern pollen rain collected by Hirst type and Tauber traps in Moscow, Russia

Abstract

Abstract. The present study compares the pollen spectra from the Hirst type pollen trap and nearby located Tauber traps installed in different vegetations in order to gain knowledge on the pollen vegetation relationship and to assess whether the deposited pollen is in accordance with airborne pollen concentrations. The modern pollen spectra have been monitored over 2016 year in Moscow Region, Russia. Four Tauber traps were installed in different vegetation types: in birch and mixed forests, in the semi-open area (spruce forest) and in open area on peat bog. A comparison between pollen percentages retrieved from Tauber and Hirst type pollen trap shows mostly similar pollen spectra. The spectra from both traps are mostly similar in regard to major taxa. Betula , Pinus and Alnus predominate in the spectra of both traps. The Tauber spectra are characterized by higher taxonomic variability due to greater occurrence of local herbaceous plants. The spectra from Tauber and Hirst type traps represent both local and regional vegetation well.