Palynology and palaeoclimatic implications of two Holocene sequences from southwestern Australia

Abstract

Results from two palynological investigations of Holocene lake and swamp deposits from southwestern Western Australia are presented. These are used to assess the validity of the existing palaeoclimatic evidence for Holocene climates, which is contradictory. The Boggy Lake sequence from the far southwest of Western Australia shows that, while vegetation changes have taken place over the last ca. 4500 years, these cannot be attributed to climatic change. Palaeoecological interpretations of earlier work at the site are shown to have an insecure basis. The Loch McNess Swamp sequence from further north shows only minor vegetation changes since ca. 9000 yr B.P. which cannot be attributed with certainty to climatic causes. The investigations do not support earlier claims of Mid-Holocene climates wetter than present or of an extensive arid phase in the Mid- to Late-Holocene.