Holocene vegetational landscapes of NE Iberia: charcoal analysis from Cova de la Guineu, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

This paper presents the anthracological results of Cova de la Guineu. This cave, which is located at the NE of the Iberian Peninsula, has provided charcoal samples from the early Neolithic to the Iberian period enabling the identification of different phases on the basis of flora assemblage interpretation. The results show how Mediterranean forests have been present since the early Holocene stages. At the early phases of the sequence the assemblage records dominant meso-screrophyllous taxa (deciduous Quercus, Taxus baccata), then thermophilous taxa (evergreen Quercus) spread, and finally a late phase of transformation dominated by thermophilous and heliophilous taxa (Mediterranean Pinus). The interpretation and discussion deals with the development and transformation of primary and secondary forests due to human disturbances and climatic variations. The anthracological record from Cova de la Guineu suggests that both elements were important and define the evolution of vegetation during the Holocene in the region.