An analysis of phytolith assemblages for the quantitative reconstruction of late Quaternary environments of the Lower Taieri Plain, Otago, South Island, New Zealand II. Paleoenvironmental reconstruction

Abstract

Fossil phytolith assemblages from a 154.5 m longdrillcore from the Lower Taieri Plain, Otago, New Zealand are presented. Transferfunctions, based on modern phytolith assemblages from sites within the sameregion, were applied to the fossil phytolith data set, and validated usingModern Analogue Technique (MAT) assemblage matching. Analogues for much of theHolocene and some of the Last Interglacial (provisionally Oxygen Isotope Stage5c) were obtained. Late Glacial/Holocene precipitation and pH estimates areconsistent with other paleoclimate records from the Otago region. Thephytolith-based precipitation and pH estimates may act as a combined proxy forsoil weathering. The precipitation estimates may also act as a useful index ofEffective Precipitation (EP). Temperature estimates derived have limited usefor paleoclimate interpretation. Estimates produced for the mid-Holoceneindicate a wetter environment than the present (50–100 mmgreater EP) with increased soil weathering (high precipitation/low pH). Soilconductivity estimates were below estuarine levels during a diatom inferredmarine transgression. This lack of phytolith response to conductivity changesis put down to a probable delayed development of suitable habitats forsaltmarsh plant species during the rapid transgression. The Last Interglacialestimates indicate conditions somewhat drier (200 mm less EP) thanthe Holocene. Consistently low log conductivity (below 0.7 µScm) estimates from the Last Interglacial contrast with the estuarineenvironments of the Holocene, indicating freshwater conditions in the Plainduring at least part of the Last Interglaciation.