A paleoecological analysis of Quadra Sand at Point Grey, British Columbia, based on indicator pollen

Abstract

Pollen and spore percentages and concentrations were determined from six peaty zones about 24500 radiocarbon years old at the Point Grey sea cliffs. All samples are dominated by nonarboreal pollen, especially Cyperaceae of local origin and Gramineae. Analysis of 'indicator pollen' suggests that two floristic elements were present, a local wetland component and a montane to subalpine element. This study supports the geological contention that the Quadra Sand was deposited in a braided river environment under a cooler maeroclimate than exists at present. Pollen concentrations in the samples are within the range of some bog and lake sediments presently accumulating in the Fraser Lowland area of southwestern British Columbia, suggesting that climatic conditions were not of alpine severity around 24 500 BP, although the indicator pollen assemblage suggests a climatic regime similar to present-day midmontane or subalpine conditions.