Vegetation dynamics and anthropogenically forced changes in the Estanilles peat bog (southern Pyrenees) during the last seven millennia
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2012
- handle: 10670/1.e95r75
- hal: hal-01126737
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Perez-Obiol Ramon et al., « Vegetation dynamics and anthropogenically forced changes in the Estanilles peat bog (southern Pyrenees) during the last seven millennia », HAL-SHS : géographie, ID : 10670/1.e95r75
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Estanilles peat bog, located in the northeasternIberian peninsula,was studied to determine the anthropogenicchanges in the landscape over the past seven millennia. Thepollen diagram and sedimentary charcoal analyses from thissite permit us to reconstruct the landscape changes in an areaof both Mediterranean and Atlantic influence. In addition,Montarenyo ombrotrophic peat bog was studied to strengthenthe analysis of data from more recent centuries. This paperattempts a reconstruction of historical cultural landscapesusing two complementary palaeobotanical proxies (pollen andcharcoal) in high mountain environments. The macroscopiccharcoal record shows a fire signal since 7500 cal. B.P. However,the relationship between fire frequency and humanimpact is not always linear. This divergence is linked to fuelavailability and fire activity. Fire has been used repeatedly toclear ground and to maintain open areas, and has been a keytool for the management of these high mountain areas. Theintensity of use of the landscape implies the expansion ofagricultural areas into higher altitudes, including cereal cultivationabove 2,200 m a.s.l., during the Middle Ages. Thefirst clear human influence detected in the pollen percentagedata is recorded between 6000 and 7000 cal. B.P. and, untilpresent times, the greatest changes in vegetation and landscapehistory occurred during periods of particular specializationin socioeconomic activities during the Middle Ages.