Holocene vegetation dynamics of the southeast Kola Peninsula, Russia

Abstract: Two lakes on the southeast Kola Peninsula were investigated by pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating. At c. 11 000-10 000 BP some areas in the southeast of the Kola Peninsula became ice free and sedimen-tation in the lakes began. Forest tundra with Betula grew in the region at c. 10 000 BP. The maximum spread of birch forests occurred between 9000 and 8000 BP. Pinus sylvestris expanded from 9000 BP, when the birch-tree cover became more dense. Alnus incana expanded from c. 7500 BP as the area of pine forest increased and the birch forest area reduced. At 7000 BP, Picea obovata expanded. The pine forest and total forested area was probably maximal between 6500 and 5500 BP. Paludification of the area occurred c. 6500 BP. Climatic deterioration after 4500 BP led to the reduction of the area of pine forest and peat bogs expanded, especially during the last 1000 years. During the last 2500-2000 years the structure of the modern vegetation developed