Phytoliths from loess in Southland, New Zealand

Abstract

This pilot study establishes and quantifies phytoliths in five cores of loess from different sites in Southland, New Zealand. A total of 48 Samples were processed and phytoliths were present in the upper portions of all cores. Phytolith analysis provides information on vegetation changes in Southland in response to climate for about the 1st 24 000 years. High numbers of both grass and tree phytoliths at about the Oxygen Isotope Stage 213 boundary suggest an open tree‐land. This abruptly changes to a landscape dominated by cold‐climate tussock grasses. Problems associated with phytolith preservation in the bottom of all cores have been identified and possible solutions suggested.

Keywords:

• phytolih
• loess
• Southland
• New Zealand
• vegetation change