Palynologie et morphogenèse récente dans le bassin du Grizzly Creek (Territoire du Yukon)

1983 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1543-1553 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Bourgeois ◽  
M.-A. Geurts
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Analysis ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Pollen Record ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Present Climate ◽  
White River ◽  
Geomorphological Evolution ◽  
Great Accumulation

Pollen analysis of three sections from the Grizzly Creek basin, Yukon Territory was undertaken in order to reconstruct the paleoecology of the region over the last two millennia.Diagrams for two sites show three well defined pollen zones, whose boundaries are based on fluctuation of pollen spectra. The oldest zone corresponds to vegetation comparable to that of the present and a climate similar to or a little colder than the present climate. In zone 2, the strong decline of Picea is interpreted as a break in pollen production caused by a decrease in precipitation and a warming of the climate. The forest survived for several centuries in a state of degeneration, which favoured the development of a stratum of shrubs and herbaceous plants. Zone 3 reflects a return to vegetation and to climatic conditions similar to those of zone 1.The positions of two layers of volcanic ash, dated at approximately 1230 and 1890 years BP and corresponding to two lobes of White River Ash, indicate the rhythm of sedimentation. The presence of loess in the sediments helps explain the great accumulation of sediment before 1250 years BP and supports an increase in aridity during this period. The pollen record also suggests that the deposition of volcanic ash had an influence on the geomorphological evolution of the area.

scholarly journals The 852/3 CE Mount Churchill eruption: examining the potential climatic and societal impacts and the timing of the Medieval Climate Anomaly in the North Atlantic Region

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Mackay ◽  
Gill Plunkett ◽  
Britta Jensen ◽  
Thomas Aubry ◽  
Christophe Corona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Climate Forcing ◽  
Medieval Climate Anomaly ◽  
North Atlantic Region ◽  
Atlantic Region ◽  
Climate Anomaly ◽  
White River ◽  
The North

Abstract. The 852/3 CE eruption of Mount Churchill, Alaska, was one of the largest first millennium volcanic events, with a magnitude of 6.7 (VEI 6) and a tephra volume of 39.4–61.9 km3 (95 % confidence). The spatial extent of the ash fallout from this event is considerable and the cryptotephra (White River Ash east; WRAe) extends as far as Finland and Poland. Proximal ecosystem and societal disturbances have been linked with this eruption; however, wider eruption impacts on climate and society are unknown. Greenland ice-core records show that the eruption occurred in winter 852/3 ± 1 CE and that the eruption is associated with a relatively moderate sulfate aerosol loading, but large abundances of volcanic ash and chlorine. Here we assess the potential broader impact of this eruption using palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, historical records and climate model simulations. We also use the fortuitous timing of the 852/3 CE Churchill eruption and its extensively widespread tephra deposition of the White River Ash (east) (WRAe) to examine the climatic expression of the warm Medieval Climate Anomaly period (MCA; ca. 950–1250 CE) from precisely linked peatlands in the North Atlantic region. The reconstructed climate forcing potential of 852/3 CE Churchill eruption is moderate compared with the eruption magnitude, but tree-ring-inferred temperatures report a significant atmospheric cooling of 0.8 °C in summer 853 CE. Modelled climate scenarios also show a cooling in 853 CE, although the average magnitude of cooling is smaller (0.3 °C). The simulated spatial patterns of cooling are generally similar to those generated using the tree-ring-inferred temperature reconstructions. Tree-ring inferred cooling begins prior to the date of the eruption suggesting that natural internal climate variability may have increased the climate system’s susceptibility to further cooling. The magnitude of the reconstructed cooling could also suggest that the climate forcing potential of this eruption may be underestimated, thereby highlighting the need for greater insight into, and consideration of, the role of halogens and volcanic ash when estimating eruption climate forcing potential. Precise comparisons of palaeoenvironmental records from peatlands across North America and Europe, facilitated by the presence of the WRAe isochron, reveal no consistent MCA signal. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that characterizes the MCA hydroclimate as time-transgressive and heterogeneous, rather than a well-defined climatic period. The presence of the WRAe isochron also demonstrates that no long-term (multidecadal) climatic or societal impacts from the 852/3 CE Churchill eruption were identified beyond areas proximal to the eruption. Historical evidence in Europe for subsistence crises demonstrate a degree of temporal correspondence on interannual timescales, but similar events were reported outside of the eruption period and were common in the 9th century. The 852/3 CE Churchill eruption exemplifies the difficulties of identifying and confirming volcanic impacts for a single eruption, even when it is precisely dated.

scholarly journals Disturbances Of The Holocene Lake-Bog Sediment Succession As Revealed By Pollen Record From Wietrzychowice (Southeastern Kujawy, Central Poland)

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Eva Břízová ◽  
Małgorzata Roman
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ages ◽  
Pollen Analysis ◽  
Pollen Record ◽  
Sediment Characteristics ◽  
Pollen Data ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
The Third ◽  
Late Middle Ages ◽  
Organic Sediments ◽  
Funnel Beaker Culture

Abstract Results of geological and pollen investigations of the lake-bog sediments from the section Wietrzychowice W5, located nearby the Neolithic Funnel Beaker Culture (FBC) megaliths, are presented. The pollen data reveal that sedimentation at Wietrzychowice has begun at the beginning of the Holocene (Preboreal). Pollen analysis was used to determine stratigraphy with regard to sediment characteristics. The pollen spectrum was divided into 8 LPAZes (1-7Xa, 7Xb) which were also, where possible, stratigraphically classified. Radiocarbon dating of 6 730 ± 90 BP (5 730–5 480 BC, MKL-702) at depth of 1.20 m confirmed the pollen analysis age estimation. Five settlement episodes were found in organic sediments in the upper part of the W5 core. The first was presumably during the Preboreal, the second in the early Atlantic, the third in the late Atlantic (probably Neolithic FBC), the fourth in the early Middle Ages and the last one in the late Middle Ages. The pollen analysis was useful to point irregularities in sediment succession. Such a situation made palaeoenvironmental interpretation difficult, but further research is still needed to enable an accurate reconstruction.

scholarly journals Pleistocene Geology of the South-West Yukon Territory, Canada

1965 ◽  
Vol 5 (40) ◽  
pp. 385-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel B. Krinsley
Keyword(s):  
Yukon Territory ◽  
River Valley ◽  
The South ◽  
North West ◽  
White River ◽  
North East ◽  
South West ◽  
M 12

Abstract A morainal sequence in south-west Yukon Territory, Canada, records at least four major, successively less extensive glaciations from ice fields in the St. Elias Mountains south of the glaciated area. The Nisling Moraine flanks the Klondike Plateau in a belt t km. wide to an altitude of 1,040 m., 12 km. north-east of Snag. The northernmost lobe of this moraine terminates at the junction of the Donjek and White Rivers, 120 km, from the nearest source of ice, Klutlan Glacier. 11 km. north-east of Snag, the prominent front of the Donjek Moraine lies 180 m. below the front of the Nisling Moraine. The northernmost lobe of the Donjek Moraine terminates 106 km. north of Klutlan Glacier and occupies the lower courses of canyons cut into the Nisling Moraine. The front of the Snag Moraine crosses the White River valley 210 m. below the front of the Donjek Moraine and 96 km. north of Klutlan Glacier. The Tchawsahmon Moraine, 38 km. north-west of Klutlan Glacier. consists of a series of concentric ridges, the oldest of which impounded Tchawsahmon Lake. Provisional correlations suggest that the Nisling Moraine is pre-Illinoian; the Donjek, Illinoian; the Snag, pre-classical Wisconsin; and the Tchawsahmon, classical Wisconsin.

scholarly journals Pleistocene Geology of the South-West Yukon Territory, Canada

1965 ◽  
Vol 5 (40) ◽  
pp. 385-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel B. Krinsley
Keyword(s):  
Yukon Territory ◽  
River Valley ◽  
The South ◽  
North West ◽  
White River ◽  
North East ◽  
South West ◽  
M 12

AbstractA morainal sequence in south-west Yukon Territory, Canada, records at least four major, successively less extensive glaciations from ice fields in the St. Elias Mountains south of the glaciated area.The Nisling Moraine flanks the Klondike Plateau in a belt t km. wide to an altitude of 1,040 m., 12 km. north-east of Snag. The northernmost lobe of this moraine terminates at the junction of the Donjek and White Rivers, 120 km, from the nearest source of ice, Klutlan Glacier. 11 km. north-east of Snag, the prominent front of the Donjek Moraine lies 180 m. below the front of the Nisling Moraine. The northernmost lobe of the Donjek Moraine terminates 106 km. north of Klutlan Glacier and occupies the lower courses of canyons cut into the Nisling Moraine. The front of the Snag Moraine crosses the White River valley 210 m. below the front of the Donjek Moraine and 96 km. north of Klutlan Glacier. The Tchawsahmon Moraine, 38 km. north-west of Klutlan Glacier. consists of a series of concentric ridges, the oldest of which impounded Tchawsahmon Lake.Provisional correlations suggest that the Nisling Moraine is pre-Illinoian; the Donjek, Illinoian; the Snag, pre-classical Wisconsin; and the Tchawsahmon, classical Wisconsin.

scholarly journals A new high-resolution pollen sequence at Lake Van, Turkey: insights into penultimate interglacial–glacial climate change on vegetation history

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 689-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Pickarski ◽  
Thomas Litt
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Pollen Record ◽  
Lake Van ◽  
Last Interglacial ◽  
Pollen Records

Abstract. A new detailed pollen and oxygen isotope record of the penultimate interglacial–glacial cycle, corresponding to the marine isotope stage (MIS) 7–6, has been generated from the Ahlat Ridge (AR) sediment core at Lake Van, Turkey. The presented Lake Van pollen record (ca. 250.2–128.8 ka) displays the highest temporal resolution in this region with a mean sampling interval of  ∼  540 years.The integration of all available proxies shows three temperate intervals of high effective soil moisture availability. This is evidenced by the predominance of steppe-forested landscapes (oak steppe-forest) similar to the present interglacial vegetation in this sensitive semiarid region between the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.The wettest and warmest stage, as indicated by highest temperate tree percentages, can be broadly correlated with MIS 7c, while the amplitude of the tree population maximum during the oldest penultimate interglacial (MIS 7e) appears to be reduced due to warm but drier climatic conditions. The detailed comparison of the penultimate interglacial complex (MIS 7) to the last interglacial (Eemian, MIS 5e) and the current interglacial (Holocene, MIS 1) provides a vivid illustration of possible differences in the successive climatic cycles. Intervening periods of treeless vegetation can be correlated with MIS 7d and 7a, in which open landscapes favor local erosion and detrital sedimentation. The predominance of steppe elements (e.g., Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae) during MIS 7d indicates very dry and cold climatic conditions. In contrast, the occurrence of higher temperate tree percentages (mainly deciduous Quercus) throughout MIS 7b points to relatively humid and mild conditions, which is in agreement with other pollen sequences in southern Europe.Despite the general dominance of dry and cold desert-steppe vegetation during the penultimate glacial (broadly equivalent to MIS 6), this period can be divided into two parts: an early stage (ca. 193–157 ka) with higher oscillations in tree percentages and a later stage (ca. 157–131 ka) with lower tree percentages and subdued oscillations. This subdivision of the penultimate glacial is also seen in other pollen records from southern Europe (e.g., MD01-2444 and I-284; Margari et al., 2010; Roucoux et al., 2011). The occurring vegetation pattern is analogous to the division of MIS 3 and MIS 2 during the last glacial in the same sediment sequence. Furthermore, we are able to identify the MIS 6e event (ca. 179–159 ka) as described in marine pollen records, which reveals clear climate variability due to rapid alternation in the vegetation cover.In comparison with long European pollen archives, speleothem isotope records from the Near East, and global climate parameters (e.g., insolation, atmospheric CO2 content), the new high-resolution Lake Van record presents an improved insight into regional vegetation dynamics and climate variability in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Holocene Glacial and Tree-Line Variations in the White River Valley and Skolai Pass, Alaska and Yukon Territory

1977 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. Denton ◽  
Wibjörn Karlén
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Little Ice Age ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Tree Line ◽  
White River ◽  
Glacier Recession

Complex glacier and tree-line fluctuations in the White River valley on the northern flank of the St. Elias and Wrangell Mountains in southern Alaska and Yukon Territory are recognized by detailed moraine maps and drift stratigraphy, and are dated by dendrochronology, lichenometry,14C ages, and stratigraphic relations of drift to the eastern (123014C yr BP) and northern (198014C yr BP) lobes of the White River Ash. The results show two major intervals of expansion, one concurrent with the well-known and widespread Little Ice Age and the other dated between 2900 and 210014C yr BP, with a culmination about 2600 and 280014C yr BP. Here, the ages of Little Ice Age moraines suggest fluctuating glacier expansion between ad 1500 and the early 20th century. Much of the 20th century has experienced glacier recession, but probably it would be premature to declare the Little Ice Age over. The complex moraine systems of the older expansion interval lie immediately downvalley from Little Ice Age moraines, suggesting that the two expansion intervals represent similar events in the Holocene, and hence that the Little Ice Age is not unique. Another very short-lived advance occurred about 1230 to 105014C yr BP. Spruce immigrated into the valley to a minimum altitude of 3500 ft (1067 m), about 600 ft (183 m) below the current spruce tree line of 4100 ft (1250 m), at least by 802014C yr BP. Subsequent intervals of high tree line were in accord with glacier recession; in fact, several spruce-wood deposits above current tree line occur bedded between Holocene tills. High deposits of fossil wood range up to 76 m above present tree line and are dated at about 5250, 3600 to 3000, and 2100 to 123014C yr BP. St. Elias glacial and tree-line fluctuations, which probably are controlled predominantly by summer temperature and by length of the growing and ablation seasons, correlate closely with a detailed Holocene tree-ring curve from California, suggesting a degree of synchronism of Holocene summer-temperature changes between the two areas. This synchronism is strengthened by comparison with the glacier record from British Columbia and Mt. Rainier. Likewise, broad synchronism of Holocene events exists across the Arctic between the St. Elias Mountains and Swedish Lappland. Finally, two sequences from the Southern Hemisphere show similar records, in so far as dating allows. Hence, we believe that a preliminary case can be made for broad synchronism of Holocene climatic fluctuations in several regions, although further data are needed and several areas, particularly Colorado and Baffin Island, show major differences in the regional pattern.

Growth and decay of palsas and peat plateaus in the Macmillan Pass–Tsichu River area, Northwest Territories, Canada

1979 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1362-1374 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. P. Kershaw ◽  
Don Gill
Keyword(s):  
Northwest Territories ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
White River ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ash Fall ◽  
Tall Plant ◽  
Reduction Of Area ◽  
Crustose Lichens ◽  
Peat Plateaus

Macmillan Pass, at 1350 m asl (above sea level), is located in the Selwyn Mountains at the Yukon–Northwest Territories border (63 °15′N, 130°02′W). This area lies within the discontinuous but widespread permafrost zone. Palsa–peat plateau complexes cover 0.7% of the 235 km2 study area and are found in bog and fen depressions at elevations from 1285–1690 m. Palsa heights range from 0.15–9.75 m and diameters from 3.25–75.0 m; peat plateaus have maximum heights of 2.5 m and maximum diameters of 225 m. Both features are vegetated by Cladina-Betula glandulosa, Cladina-Polytrichum-Cetraria, and crustose lichens-Polytrichum plant communities.Palsas and peat plateaus are windswept during winter. On surfaces which support recumbent (5–15 cm tall) plant communities there was an average of only 7.5 cm of snow during late winter 1978. Snow cover was thinner by a ratio of 1:4 compared to control areas.These permafrost features have formed since the White River volcanic ash fall of 1220 BP. On palsas and peat plateaus this ash occurs at an average depth of 21 cm and has an average thickness of 11.6 cm.Shrinkage and (or) total decay of palsas and peat plateaus has occurred during the past 34 years. In one palsa field this represents a 34% reduction of area whereas in two others, 100%. The areal extent of some peat plateaus has also been reduced.

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