Untersuchungen zur spät- und postglazialen Vegetationsgeschichte im nördlichen Bayern (Rhön, Grabfeld, Lange Berge)

Abstract

Palynological investigations of sediments from northern Bavaria (Rhön, Grabfeld, Lange Berge) reveal the Late Glacial and Postglacial history of the regional vegetation.The older sediments were found in the Rhön (Schwarzes Moor) and date back into the Bölling Period. At the end of that period pine spread into the Grabfeld. In both areas Lacher Tuff has been found. A radiocarbon date of 10,300BP was found for the Late Glacial — Postglacial transition and one of 9300BP for the Preboreal — Boreal transition. Hazel reached its highest values in the Rhön around 7,400BP. During the Atlanticum a deciduous mixed oak forest covered the Rhön and Grabfeld regions. Beech dominated since the Subatlanticum. In the Lange Berge region, however, a mixed forest with Fagus, Picea, Pinus and Abies developed.In the Rhön first anthropogenic influence was found during the Latène Period. The boundary between zone IX and X has been dated at 820 A.D., and the start of extensive forest clearances at 1000A. D. A culmination of landuse was found for the Medieval Period. At the end of that period however the Rhön was deserted. New forest clearances started around 1500 A.D., but were interrupted by the “Thirty Years War”. Afterwards the Rhön got its present appearance.