Reconstruction of postglacial to early Holocene vegetation history in terrestrial Central Europe via cuticular lipid biomarkers and pollen records from lake sediments

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 2002 Reconstruction of postglacial to early Holocene vegetation history in terrestrial Central Europe via cuticular lipid biomarkers and pollen records from lake sediments L. Schwark; L. Schwark 1University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 49a, 50674 Cologne, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar K. Zink; K. Zink 1University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 49a, 50674 Cologne, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J. Lechterbeck J. Lechterbeck 2Institut und Museum für Geologie und Paläontologie, Sigwartstrasse 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information L. Schwark 1University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 49a, 50674 Cologne, Germany K. Zink 1University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 49a, 50674 Cologne, Germany J. Lechterbeck 2Institut und Museum für Geologie und Paläontologie, Sigwartstrasse 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 15 Sep 2001 Revision Received: 14 Jan 2002 Accepted: 18 Jan 2002 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2002) 30 (5): 463–466. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2002)030<0463:ROPTEH>2.0.CO;2 Article history Received: 15 Sep 2001 Revision Received: 14 Jan 2002 Accepted: 18 Jan 2002 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation L. Schwark, K. Zink, J. Lechterbeck; Reconstruction of postglacial to early Holocene vegetation history in terrestrial Central Europe via cuticular lipid biomarkers and pollen records from lake sediments. Geology 2002;; 30 (5): 463–466. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2002)030<0463:ROPTEH>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract High-resolution environmental reconstruction for Central European terrestrial settings is commonly based on sediment records that provide the pollen spectra used for reconstruction of vegetation development. Alternatively, complementary algal, insect, or zooplankton assemblages and/or carbonate 18O isotope profiles are investigated. In this study, vegetation development and inferred climate evolution were documented on a decadal to centennial scale by analysis of land-plant cuticular lipids accumulated in lake sediments. Wax lipids derived from land-plant leaves and blades are source diagnostic and highly resistant to degradation. Their aerodynamic properties favor short-distance eolian transport, but they are less affected by possible long-distance transportation that complicates pollen analysis. The late glacial to Holocene sedimentary record of Lake Steisslingen, southwestern Germany, was investigated by palynological and geochemical means. Tundra-type pioneer vegetation consisting predominantly of grasses and herbs is dominated by nC31-alkanes, whereas pioneer birch forest yields preferentially nC27-alkanes. Establishment of a pine assemblage is recognizable by elevated nC29- and nC31-leaf-wax alkanes, and the diversification of deciduous forests in the Holocene is marked by nC29 dominance. Lipid geochemistry and palynology resolve decadal excursions such as the mid–Younger Dryas event. Centennial climate trends with pronounced and rapid changes at the Oldest Dryas–Bølling, Allerød–Younger Dryas, and Younger Dryas–pre- Boreal transitions are consistently reflected by molecular and palynological proxy data. The demonstrated suitability of an independent molecular proxy in paleoenvironmental studies provides new perspectives in high-resolution climate reconstruction. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.