Analysis of pollen in soils: processes of incorporation and redistribution of pollen in five soil profile types

Lithological discontinuities in Podzols developed from sandstone cover beds in the Stolowe Mountains (Poland)

“…Assuming that the pollen grains are stable when buried in strongly acid soil (Hicks and Hyvarinen, 1999) and preserved in separate strata due to a very limited zooturbation in these soils (Davidson et al, 1999), the small (1.5 cm 3 ) undisturbed samples were collected from AE, E, and Bh horizons (profiles SG1 and SG4) and prepared according to Moore et al (1991). At least 500 pollen grains per soil sample were identified and counted using optical microscope with a magnification of 400-1000×.…”

Tephra stratification of volcanic ash soils in Northern Ecuador

“…A linear age depth relationship in the presence of bioturbation is only possible if the zone of active bioturbation shifts upward during SOM accumulation (Tonneijck et al, 2006), assuming that bioturbation results in homogenisation of radiocarbon ages (Davidson et al, 1999). While such a scenario might seem uncommon for soils in general, Andosols are known to strongly accumulate SOM (Shoji et al, 1993;Dahlgren et al, 2004), causing the soil to thicken (Barois et al, 1998).…”

“…However, a thorough understanding of the soil chronostratigraphy is required for correct interpretation of paleoecological records that are contained in soils (Keatinge, 1983;Davidson et al, 1999).…”

Galilee Blooming: First palynological and archaeological data from an Early Byzantine Cistern at Horvat Kur

“…High percentages of indeterminant palynomorphs, usually >50%, and low pollen concentration are signs of differential preservation, and general loss of pollen grains is due to oxidation, biological agents such as bacteria and phycomycete fungi, and high pH (Bryant et al 1994, Bryant andHolloway 1996). Those processes including the vertical transport of palynomorphs through sediments via water (downwash) or by animal activity (bioturbation) are comparable to processes observed in terrestrial soils (Dimbleby 1961;Davidson et al 1999;Gavin and Brubaker 1999). Consequently, the pollen concentration in archaeological contexts, especially in dry soils in arid regions, is often too low to achieve a precise portrait of the vegetation, the record is usually greatly influenced by anthropogenic disturbances and alteration of palynomorphs has often led to overrepresentation of more resistant pollen types (Fish 1989, see references in Lebreton et al 2010).…”