Forest dynamics during the transition from the Oldest Dryas to the Bølling-Allerød at Gerzensee-a simulation study

► We compared vegetation simulated with temperature from d18O to pollen. ► Only coldest T-scenario (0.3‰/°C) sufficed to explain arrival of woody taxa. ► Vegetation pattern after arrival was determined by competition. ► For Pinus, later appearance, presumably due to migration, had to be assumed. ► Taxa arrival involved drastic changes of LAI, albedo and surface roughness.