Genesis and environmental history of Lagoa Santa, southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Geomorphologic studies and palynological analysis of a core in the middle of Lagoa Santa, a lake in central Brazil (19°38'S; 43°54'W), have provided palaeoenvironmental information on the region and lake history during the Holocene. Prior to 5300 yr BP there is no pollen record in the sediments. The presence of spores of Lycopodium and algae (Phase I) between c. 6100 and 5400 yr BP indicate a gradual increase of moisture in the ancient valley. Between c. 5400 and c. 4600 yr BP the records of pollen, spores and algae indicate the presence of an intermittent marsh on the valley floor (Phase IIA) and a climate drier than at present; Gramineae pollen dominates the assemblages, followed by Compositae and Portulacaceae. At approximately 4600 yr BP pollen grains are abundant, percentage of arboreal pollen increases and Lycopodium spores are replaced by fern spores of a moist environment; the marsh was replaced by a permanent lake (Phase IIB). An ancient landslide scar was probably active shortly before this time and started to deposit debris at the basin outlet causing the formation of the permanent lake that has existed since then. A mosaic of forests and ‘cerrado’ (savannah-like vegetation) covered the region around the lake and the climate was warm semi-humid, similar to the present. The abundant archaeological sites dating from c. 5000 yr BP are coeval with the formation of the lake and of the change towards a more humid phase. From c. 3000 yr BP to the present, changes in the percentage of arboreal pollen indicate small oscillations in precipitation. The uppermost 20 cm of the sediment contains oxidized clay mixed with the lake sediment. Nevertheless, the well-preserved palynomorphs show that the oxidized material was transported to the lake as a result of human activities around the basin. The depletion of Stryphnodendron spp. trees in recent last centuries confirms human disturbance of the natural ecosystems. In general terms, the climatic variations detected at Lagoa Santa during the Holocene are in accordance with those in other parts of central Brazil.