The evolution of montane vegetation in the eastern sector of the Ayllón massif (Central Mountain Range). Pollen analysis of a core from Pelagallinas peatbog

Abstract

Pollen and charcoal analyses of a core from Pelagallinas peatbog, located in the Sierra de Alto Rey at the eastern sector of the Central Mountain Range (Guadalajara), show the environmental history of the montane vegetation during the last 4000 years. The results indícate the importance of pinewoods in the landscape of these mountains. These pine forests were replaced by heather communities contemporaneous with fires as indicated by the increase of particles of charcoal. Birch found refuge in peatbogs, though it nearly disappeared during the last millennium. The Pelagallinas' sequence shows a remarkable and constant presence oí Fagus throughout the core, providing the oldest date for the occurence of this taxon for the Central Mountain Range.

Keywords

• pollen analysis
• betula
• charcoal
• fagus
• holocene
• pinus
• central mountain range