Late Pleistocene-Holocene palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Añamaza River valley (Iberian Range, NE Spain): Multidisciplinary approach on the study of carbonate fluvial systems

The pollen record shows for the Early Holocene development of Pinus forest with Betula, and expansion of deciduous Quercus, xerophilous and heliophilous grassland. Subsequent increasing moisture supported open forests with deciduous (Quercus, Ulmus, Corylus) and evergreen (Quercus ilex, Pistacia) species. From ca.4000 yrBP, a dominant deciduous Quercus forest with groves of Corylus, Ulmus, Acer, Fagus and Taxus expanded and human activities (grazing) occurred. From 1200 yrBP dry grassland expanded due to intensive land use (agropastoral activities). Almost completely deforested plateaus surround the site today with slopes covered by patchy grass with junipers groves and screeds with little soil.