Late Weichselian pollen stratigraphy, palaeomagnetic secular variations and radiocarbon chronology at the Torreberga ancient lake, Skåne, Sweden

Abstract

Lake sediments from Torreberga, Skåne, southern Sweden, covering the Allerod and Younger Dryas, previously investigated with respect to palaeomagnetic secular variations, have been pollen analyzed and radiocarbon dated. The palaeomagnetic records from the lower parts of this site as well as from other sites in southern Scandinavia indicate that the sediments are younger than previously thought. The sedimentation in the ancient lake did not start until more than 1000 radiocarbon years after the deglaciation. Birch and pine was sparsely present during the Allerod, and disappeared at the transition Allcrod-Younger Dryas but reappeared shortly afterwards to form an open forest. In the later part of the Younger Dryas, pollen influx values increased significantly as a result of the climatic warming. The palaeomagnetism is characterised by a distinct westerly declination swing at about 11,500 to 10,500 BP. The inclination shows four major cycles.

Key Words:

• Palaeomagnetic secular variations
• pollen analysis
• radiocarbon dating
• vegetation history
• Allerod
• Younger Dryas
• Late Weichselian
• Skåne
• Sweden