Pollen analysis: A review of some developments and interpretation problems

Abstract

Some developments in palynology during the last decade or so are presented and discussed. They are concerned with new methods of zoning pollen diagrams and recent investigations into the problems associated with interpreting pollen data, the dating of events and the use of plants as environmental indicators.

Evidence challenging the simple relationship between climatic change and peat initiation is presented. Views are outlined which indicate that man, pedogenic processes or slope geometry, in some cases, may be of greater importance than the climatic factor in determining peat initiation.