Pollen evidence of late Quaternary vegetation and inferred climate changes in Congo

Abstract

A detailed palynological analysis of two cores recovered from a swamp in the Southern Batéké Plateaux (Congo), provides information on the botanical history of this region during the last 24,000 yr B.P. Rich and well-diversified pollen counts exhibit changes in the vegetational communities related to hydrological and climatic fluctuations. Around 24,000 yr B.P., the occurrence of hydromorphous forest elements gives evidence of a humid phase. Between 24,000 and around 13,000 yr B.P., swampy herbaceous communities expanded, indicating slightly drier climatic conditions. From approximately 13,000 yr B.P. onward, the beginning of a humid episode is reflected by the development of mesophilous forests. The decrease of these forests is documented since 3000 yr B.P. Grasslands are found to extend locally whereas Elaies guineensis (oil palm) spreads out, indicating both climatic change but also anthropogenic activities.