Holocene evolution of landscapes in the Middle Protva River basin

New evidences of the Holocene changes of landscapes in the Middle Protva River basin due to natural and anthropogenic factors are discussed. The studies are based on the multy-proxy analysis including paleolandscape reconstructions, detailed pollen analysis, materials of the large-scale landscape mapping and synthesis of archaeological and historical data. The results of paleobotanical studies and radiocarbon dating of the peat core from the Agrafenino peatland made it possible to reveal the key periods of vegetation changes and fire effects. The broadleaf deciduous forests with a small admixture of spruce spread to the Middle Protva River basin about 9,2 cal. years BP and were present in the dominant urochisches throughout the Middle Holocene, despite short-term warming and cooling cycles. An abundance of spruce increased significantly in the area at 2,5 cal. years BP when the climate became cooler and wetter; the sprucebroadleaf forests were formed to become the dominant vegetation type within watershed areas during the pre-agrarian period. From 6,2 to 4,2 cal years BP frequent and intense forest fires affected the study area, causing the destruction of broadleaf forests and expansion of secondary birch-pine woodlands. The direct anthropogenic indicators in pollen assemblages are absent, thus it is possible to suggest that during the period the fires were causes mainly by climatic factors. The study area was developed by humans since Mesolithic. However till the 17^th century landscape complexes of watershed areas underwent no significant anthropogenic transformation unlike the river valley landscapes.

the Holocene, landscape, paleolandscape reconstructions, pollen analysis, peat accumulation, radiocarbon dating

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