Post–Glacial stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the northern part of the Curonian Spit, Western Lithuania

• Published in: Quaternary international 2009-10, Vol.207 (1), p.69-79
• Main Authors: Kabailiene, M, Vaikutiene, G, Damusyte, A, Rudnickaite, E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ancylus; Bacillariophyceae; Freshwater; Marine; Mollusca
• ISSN: 1040-6182; 1873-4553
• DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2008.12.007

A complex study including palynological and diatom analysis, palaeontological investigation of molluscan fauna, carbonates analyses and radiocarbon dating was performed in the northern part of the Curonian Spit (Western Lithuania). Environmental changes were reconstructed during the Late Glacial and Holocene. Cold and dry climate, unstable soils, open habitats of tundra vegetation spread in the surroundings of the northern part of the Curonian Spit during the Younger Dryas. Birch was dominant. The relatively deep Baltic Ice Lake with a freshwater planktonic diatom complex existed. During the Preboreal and the beginning of Boreal forest (birch and pine) was not dense, and wetland development occurred in coastal areas. Forest spread rapidly in response to significant warming during Boreal time. A shallow freshwater Ancylus Lake nearshore environment existed in the area of the northern part of the present Curonian Spit. The surrounding forest was dominated by broad-leaved species, especially elm, lime and oak, during the Atlantic. Alder and hazel occurred everywhere. Pine forest was still widely represented in the area on sandy soils. Subsequently, the shallow Litorina Sea basin existed around the area. Spruce forest spread in the Early Subboreal. Climate was warm and relatively dry, and intensive soil formation took place. Shallow brackish Postlitorina Sea lagoonal environmental conditions existed in the first half of Subboreal. Aeolian sand with buried soil formation started to accumulate at the end of Subboreal, and the northern part of the Curonian Spit became land.