The palynology and sedimentology of a coastal swamp at Awana, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, from ca 7000 yr B.P. to present Journal Paper
- Author
- Sutton, D.G.
- Year
- 1999
- Journal / Source
- Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
- Volume
- 29
- Pages
- 213-223
- Summary
- Pollen and sediment analyses of two cores from southern Kaitoke (Forsythes' Paddock and Blackwells Bush), Great Barrier Island, show that at c 7500 cal yr B P , the area was an estuary with tidal flats and Avicennia By c 3000 cal yr B P , a Restionaceae (Leptocarpus) salt marsh had developed in the estuary as marine influences lessened By c cal 2550 yr B P , fresh water swamp (Cyperaceae-Gleichenia-Leptospermum) had replaced the salt marsh Conifer-hardwood forest surrounding the southern Kaitoke sites from c 7500-c 2800 cal yr B P was dominated by Dacrydium Metrosideros and Libocedrus. After c 2800 cal yr B P, Metrosideros was replaced by Agathis, Phyllocladdus and Prumnopitus taxifolia, suggesting climatic change to more variable conditions. The presence of the Kaharoa Tephra suggests that major Polynesian deforestation at southern Kaitoke began c 600 cal yr B P. Minor pre-Kaharoa fire disturbance is evident c 1750 cal yr B P and c 1290-970 cal yr B P.