Palaeoclimate and vegetation change in Serbia during the last 30 Ma

Abstract

In the present study, 14 published megafloras from the Serbian Cenozoic are analyzed with respect to vegetation type, palaeoclimate, and palaeogeographic settings. The floras cover a time-span from the Oligocene to the late Miocene. The results obtained are compared with continental climate records from other parts of Europe and discussed in the context of global climate change. To obtain a quantitative palaeoclimate record a total of seven different climate variables is calculated for each of the floras using the Coexistence Approach. It is shown that basic patterns of vegetation change, such as the immigration of arcto-tertiary, deciduous floristic elements during the early Miocene and the decreasing diversity of laurophyllous taxa during the late Miocene, are ruled by climate change and a changing palaeogeography. The Serbian Cenozoic climate record shows a steep cooling gradient during the Oligocene that is most probably is connected to a northward movement of tectonic plates. The globally observed Middle Miocene Climate Optimum and the Late Miocene Cooling are well reflected. According to the palaeotemperatures calculated a warm temperate climate existed in Serbia throughout the time-span examined. The Late Miocene Cooling is most pronounced in winter temperatures and is connected to increasing seasonality. Precipitation rates obtained for the Serbian Cenozoic, especially those of the warmest and wettest months, tend to be lower when compared to the Central European Cenozoic. According to climate analysis and the interpretation of vegetational data there is evidence for regionally drier conditions and increased seasonality of precipitation in the time-span from the late Badenian to the early Sarmatian.