Holocene 3 (2)

Climatic changes are inferred from the Late Weichselian and Holocene history of beach-ridge building and relative sea-level change. Palaeoshoreline indicators obtained from fields of geostatically uplifted beach ridges were dated by radiocarbon dating.

Presents the results of an integrated analysis of biological evidence. Mollusc and ostracod records reflect a littoral environment with increasing eutrophic conditions and a progressive shallowing of lake waters from 9,600 BP. The pollen profile provides evidence of both local and regional vegetational changes over the first two millennia of the present interglacial. Following climatic amelioration there was rapid colonisation by trees and shrubs, with juniper widespread by 9,800 BP, birch by 9,500 BP and pine by 9,300 BP. Hazel became established in the late ninth millennium and elm and oak during the eighth millennium. There is evidence of a relatively dry climate in the early Holocene and a short-lived climatic cooling in the mid-tenth millennium~BP.

Discusses the role that various climatic and anthropogenic changes may have played in this phenomenon, which has been subject to considerable debate. Suggestions are made for testing the large variety of hypothetical explanations.