Holocene Palaeoenvironments at the Timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: A Study of Pollen, plant Macrofossils and Fossil Insects
Identifieur interne : 001964 ( Istex/Corpus ); précédent : 001963; suivant : 001965Holocene Palaeoenvironments at the Timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: A Study of Pollen, plant Macrofossils and Fossil Insects
Auteurs : Ph. Ponel ; J. L. De Beaulieu ; K. TobolskSource :
- The Holocene [ 0959-6836 ] ; 1992-07.
Abstract
In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen, plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing Pinus uncinata trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isére, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timberline). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. uncinata is recorded from at least 7500 BP onwards. There are also indications of Abies woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of Fagus and Pinus cembra, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. Pinus uncinata disappeared from the plateau at about 2000 BP, slightly before the expansion of Picea at lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline of Pinus uncinata is attested by the appearance of the insect Helophorus glacialis. It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now.
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DOI: 10.1177/095968369200200203
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ISTEX:E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008Le document en format XML
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Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</mods:affiliation></affiliation></author></analytic><monogr></monogr><series><title level="j">The Holocene</title><idno type="ISSN">0959-6836</idno><idno type="eISSN">1477-0911</idno><imprint><publisher>SAGE Publications</publisher><pubPlace>Sage UK: London, England</pubPlace><date type="published" when="1992-07">1992-07</date><biblScope unit="volume">2</biblScope><biblScope unit="issue">2</biblScope><biblScope unit="page" from="117">117</biblScope><biblScope unit="page" to="130">130</biblScope></imprint><idno type="ISSN">0959-6836</idno></series><idno type="istex">E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008</idno><idno type="DOI">10.1177/095968369200200203</idno><idno type="ArticleID">10.1177_095968369200200203</idno></biblStruct></sourceDesc><seriesStmt><idno type="ISSN">0959-6836</idno></seriesStmt></fileDesc><profileDesc><textClass></textClass><langUsage><language ident="en">en</language></langUsage></profileDesc></teiHeader><front><div type="abstract" xml:lang="en">In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen, plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing Pinus uncinata trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isére, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timberline). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. uncinata is recorded from at least 7500 BP onwards. There are also indications of Abies woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of Fagus and Pinus cembra, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. Pinus uncinata disappeared from the plateau at about 2000 BP, slightly before the expansion of Picea at lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline of Pinus uncinata is attested by the appearance of the insect Helophorus glacialis. It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now.</div></front></TEI><istex><corpusName>sage</corpusName><author><json:item><name>Ph. Ponel</name><affiliations><json:string>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</json:string></affiliations></json:item><json:item><name>J. L. de Beaulieu</name><affiliations><json:string>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</json:string></affiliations></json:item><json:item><name>K. 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Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</json:string></affiliations></json:item></author><subject><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>pollen analysis</value></json:item><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>tree line</value></json:item><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>plant macrofossils</value></json:item><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>insect fossils</value></json:item><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>climatic change</value></json:item><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>human impact</value></json:item><json:item><lang><json:string>eng</json:string></lang><value>French Alps.</value></json:item></subject><articleId><json:string>10.1177_095968369200200203</json:string></articleId><language><json:string>eng</json:string></language><originalGenre><json:string>research-article</json:string></originalGenre><abstract>In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen, plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing Pinus uncinata trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isére, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timberline). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. uncinata is recorded from at least 7500 BP onwards. There are also indications of Abies woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of Fagus and Pinus cembra, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. Pinus uncinata disappeared from the plateau at about 2000 BP, slightly before the expansion of Picea at lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline of Pinus uncinata is attested by the appearance of the insect Helophorus glacialis. It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now.</abstract><qualityIndicators><score>7.736</score><pdfVersion>1.3</pdfVersion><pdfPageSize>612 x 864 pts</pdfPageSize><refBibsNative>true</refBibsNative><abstractCharCount>1462</abstractCharCount><pdfWordCount>8728</pdfWordCount><pdfCharCount>53698</pdfCharCount><pdfPageCount>14</pdfPageCount><abstractWordCount>228</abstractWordCount></qualityIndicators><title>Holocene Palaeoenvironments at the Timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: A Study of Pollen, plant Macrofossils and Fossil Insects</title><refBibs><json:item><host><pages><first>358</first></pages><author></author><title>Contribution pollenanalytique à l'histoire Tardiglaciaire et Holocène de la végetátion des Alpes mèridionales françaises. 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Roethlisberger</name></json:item></author><host><volume>77</volume><pages><last>164</last><first>97</first></pages><issue>H.2</issue><author></author><title>Verhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Basel</title></host><title>Postglaziale Gletscherstände und Klimaschwankungen im Gotthardmassiv und Vorderrheingebeit</title></json:item></refBibs><genre><json:string>research-article</json:string></genre><host><volume>2</volume><publisherId><json:string>HOL</json:string></publisherId><pages><last>130</last><first>117</first></pages><issn><json:string>0959-6836</json:string></issn><issue>2</issue><genre><json:string>journal</json:string></genre><language><json:string>unknown</json:string></language><eissn><json:string>1477-0911</json:string></eissn><title>The Holocene</title></host><categories><wos><json:string>science</json:string><json:string>geosciences, multidisciplinary</json:string><json:string>geography, physical</json:string></wos><scienceMetrix><json:string>natural sciences</json:string><json:string>earth & environmental sciences</json:string><json:string>paleontology</json:string></scienceMetrix></categories><publicationDate>1992</publicationDate><copyrightDate>1992</copyrightDate><doi><json:string>10.1177/095968369200200203</json:string></doi><id>E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008</id><score>1</score><fulltext><json:item><extension>pdf</extension><original>true</original><mimetype>application/pdf</mimetype><uri>https://api.istex.fr/document/E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008/fulltext/pdf</uri></json:item><json:item><extension>zip</extension><original>false</original><mimetype>application/zip</mimetype><uri>https://api.istex.fr/document/E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008/fulltext/zip</uri></json:item><istex:fulltextTEI uri="https://api.istex.fr/document/E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008/fulltext/tei"><teiHeader><fileDesc><titleStmt><title level="a" type="main" xml:lang="en">Holocene Palaeoenvironments at the Timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: A Study of Pollen, plant Macrofossils and Fossil Insects</title></titleStmt><publicationStmt><authority>ISTEX</authority><publisher>SAGE Publications</publisher><pubPlace>Sage UK: London, England</pubPlace><availability><p>SAGE</p></availability><date>1992</date></publicationStmt><sourceDesc><biblStruct type="inbook"><analytic><title level="a" type="main" xml:lang="en">Holocene Palaeoenvironments at the Timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: A Study of Pollen, plant Macrofossils and Fossil Insects</title><author xml:id="author-1"><persName><forename type="first">Ph.</forename><surname>Ponel</surname></persName><affiliation>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</affiliation></author><author xml:id="author-2"><persName><forename type="first">J. L.</forename><surname>de Beaulieu</surname></persName><affiliation>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</affiliation></author><author xml:id="author-3"><persName><forename type="first">K.</forename><surname>Tobolsk</surname></persName><affiliation>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</affiliation></author></analytic><monogr><title level="j">The Holocene</title><idno type="pISSN">0959-6836</idno><idno type="eISSN">1477-0911</idno><imprint><publisher>SAGE Publications</publisher><pubPlace>Sage UK: London, England</pubPlace><date type="published" when="1992-07"></date><biblScope unit="volume">2</biblScope><biblScope unit="issue">2</biblScope><biblScope unit="page" from="117">117</biblScope><biblScope unit="page" to="130">130</biblScope></imprint></monogr><idno type="istex">E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008</idno><idno type="DOI">10.1177/095968369200200203</idno><idno type="ArticleID">10.1177_095968369200200203</idno></biblStruct></sourceDesc></fileDesc><profileDesc><creation><date>1992</date></creation><langUsage><language ident="en">en</language></langUsage><abstract xml:lang="en"><p>In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen, plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing Pinus uncinata trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isére, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timberline). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. uncinata is recorded from at least 7500 BP onwards. There are also indications of Abies woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of Fagus and Pinus cembra, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. Pinus uncinata disappeared from the plateau at about 2000 BP, slightly before the expansion of Picea at lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline of Pinus uncinata is attested by the appearance of the insect Helophorus glacialis. It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now.</p></abstract><textClass><keywords scheme="keyword"><list><head>keywords</head><item><term>pollen analysis</term></item><item><term>tree line</term></item><item><term>plant macrofossils</term></item><item><term>insect fossils</term></item><item><term>climatic change</term></item><item><term>human impact</term></item><item><term>French Alps.</term></item></list></keywords></textClass></profileDesc><revisionDesc><change when="1992-07">Published</change></revisionDesc></teiHeader></istex:fulltextTEI><json:item><extension>txt</extension><original>false</original><mimetype>text/plain</mimetype><uri>https://api.istex.fr/document/E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008/fulltext/txt</uri></json:item></fulltext><metadata><istex:metadataXml wicri:clean="corpus sage not found" wicri:toSee="no header"><istex:xmlDeclaration>version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"</istex:xmlDeclaration><istex:docType PUBLIC="-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v2.3 20070202//EN" URI="journalpublishing.dtd" name="istex:docType"></istex:docType><istex:document><article article-type="research-article" dtd-version="2.3" xml:lang="EN"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="hwp">sphol</journal-id><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">HOL</journal-id><journal-title>The Holocene</journal-title><issn pub-type="ppub">0959-6836</issn><publisher><publisher-name>SAGE Publications</publisher-name><publisher-loc>Sage UK: London, England</publisher-loc></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1177/095968369200200203</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">10.1177_095968369200200203</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>Holocene Palaeoenvironments at the Timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: A Study of Pollen, plant Macrofossils and Fossil Insects</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Ponel</surname><given-names>Ph.</given-names></name><aff>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</aff></contrib></contrib-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>de Beaulieu</surname><given-names>J. L.</given-names></name><aff>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</aff></contrib></contrib-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Tobolsk</surname><given-names>K.</given-names></name><aff>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</aff></contrib></contrib-group><pub-date pub-type="ppub"><month>07</month><year>1992</year></pub-date><volume>2</volume><issue>2</issue><fpage>117</fpage><lpage>130</lpage><abstract><p>In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen, plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing <italic>Pinus uncinata</italic> trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isére, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timberline). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. <italic>uncinata</italic> is recorded from at least 7500 BP onwards. There are also indications of <italic>Abies</italic> woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of <italic>Fagus</italic> and <italic>Pinus cembra</italic>, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. <italic>Pinus uncinata</italic> disappeared from the plateau at about 2000 BP, slightly before the expansion of <italic>Picea</italic> at lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline of <italic>Pinus uncinata</italic> is attested by the appearance of the insect <italic>Helophorus glacialis.</italic> It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now.</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>pollen analysis</kwd><kwd>tree line</kwd><kwd>plant macrofossils</kwd><kwd>insect fossils</kwd><kwd>climatic change</kwd><kwd>human impact</kwd><kwd>French Alps.</kwd></kwd-group><custom-meta-wrap><custom-meta xlink:type="simple"><meta-name>sagemeta-type</meta-name><meta-value>Journal Article</meta-value></custom-meta><custom-meta xlink:type="simple"><meta-name>search-text</meta-name><meta-value> The Holocene 2, 2 (1992)pp. 117-130 Holocene palaeoenvironments at the timberline in the Taillefer Massif, French Alps: a study of pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects Ph. Ponel,* J.-L. de Beaulieu* and K. Tobolski** (“ Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS 01152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France; ** Quaternary Research Institute, A d a m Mickewicz University, Ul: Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland) Received 13 May 1991; revised manuscript accepted 5 October 1991 A HOLOCENE RESEARCH PAPER Abstract: In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen. plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing Piniu uncinata trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isere, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timbertine). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. uncinafa is recorded from at least 7500BP onwards. There are also indications of h i e s woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of Fagus and Pinus cembm, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. Pinics uncinafa disappeared from the plateau at about 2000BP, slightly before the expansion of Picen a t lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline o f Pinus uncinafa is attested by the appearance of the insect Helophorus glacialis. It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now. Key words: pollen analysis, tree line, plant macrofossils, insect fossils, climatic change, human impact, French Alps. Introduction The crystalline Taillefer Massif is a southward extension of the Belledonne Range, French Alps. It abuts the high Ecrins Massif, which is still covered with active glaciers (Figure la). The Taillefer culminates at 2857 m. An extensive high plateau extends between 2100 m and 2400 m. Today the Taillefer plateau is situated far above the timberline (Figure lb). The only trees growing on the plateau are a few stunted Pirea and Piiiw rembra. As appears from the vegetation map of the Alps (1:5OOOO, Vizille sheet: Ozenda el al., 1968) the lower part of the plateau is covered with upper subalpine heath, and the upper part with alpine meadows. Below the study sites, from the bottom of the Romanche valley, the following vegetational belts are observed on the steep slopes: oak forests with Curpiniis and Cusrnrien from the deciduous oak hill-series, beech forests, beech and fir forests from the mountain stage, and the lower subalpine fir forests. Alniis viridis shrubs are abundant at the tree limit. The discovery of outcropping subfossil trunks of Pinus irncinatu in peat-bogs of the plateau stimulated a multidisciplinary programme aimed at explaining the presence of these trunks above the present-day tree limit and at reconstructing the history of the timberline in the Taillefer Massif. This paper is concerned with the pollen analysis and study of fossil insects and plant macrofossils in the Canard peat-bog where the greatest quantity of subfossil trunks was discovered. It is a topogenous U-shaped Curex marsh, narrower to the east than to the west. Two deep excavations were made in it in order to sample trunks for dendrochronological analyses. The ‘ Canard Ia’ pollen diagram and insects analysis (except samples 6 and 9) correspond to a section in the 118 The Holocene 2 (1992) Figure l a Location map: The Taillefer in the Romanche basin. Figure l b Location map: present-day timberline and the subalpinelalpine boundary. eastern part, whereas the ‘ Canard Ib’ diagram, and plant macrofossil analysis correspond to a sediment section derived from the western part, 35 m away. Lastly, the so-called ‘ Fourchu’ diagram was obtained from a core taken with a Russian peat-borer in a small peat-depression situated 800 m away, where no trunks were discovered. The dendrochronological studies of the Canard peat-bog are in press (Edouard et al., 1990). This set of data indicates that between 9 O and 8000 BP OO (in the ‘ Boreal’ chronozone) a Corykrr belt mixed with UItiiiu, Quercics and other components of the oak forest expanded at low and middle altitudes, below pine forests. Between 8000 and 7500BP (beginning of the ‘ Atlantic’ chronozone) at low altitude Corylirr receded to the benefit of oak forests, and Abies forests expanded in the mountain belt. Fugits woodlands began to develop around 5000 BP (beginning of the ‘ Sub-boreal’ chronozone). According to Co Qteaux, the expansion of Picea took place after 2000 BP. Pollen analysis The three pollen diagrams (Figures 2, 3 and 4) may ‘ be interpreted in the light of previous studies made in the Oisans Massif and at Alpe d' Huez (Co Qteaux, 1982a) as well as in the Lake Luitel peat-bog on the northern slope of the Romanche, at 1400 m altitude, only 7 km from the Taillefer in a straight line (Wegmiiller, 1977). A pollen study by J. Clerc (1988) of the Dauphine lowlands also contributes to the regional vegetation history. Zonation and correlation of pollen diagrams Each diagram has been subdivided into pollen assemblage zones (paz). Table 1 shows the equivalences between these zones (with a chronology based on seven “ C dates and taking into account the regional data available). There is some difficulty with this method when zones are marked by weak variations in pollen frequencies. In fact, when a pollen zone is recorded in only one diagram this may be due to a hiatus (our interpretation), but differential pollen deposition at each coring site cannot be excluded, so the equivalence table is Ph. Pone1 et a/.: Pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects, Taillefer Massif, French Alps 119 C . T > N m m % m z 2 Figure 2 Canard Ia pollen diagram. CANARD Ib Ah. 2055m Massif du Taillefer (E r e) ?, … P. r 6 Figure 3 Canard Ib pollen diagram. not certain. For example, zones Can.Ib 8 and 9, which correspond to Four.6 and 7, have no exact equivalent in Canard Ia. In that profile a hiatus may exist at about 30 cm, i.e., at the boundary between detritus peat and fibrous Cyperaceae peat. However, the hypothesis may be put for- ward that the Pincis cembra peak that characterizes Can.Ib 8 and Four.6 is not so well marked in the upper part of Can.Ia. A clearer case is the absence, in Can.Ib, of zones equivalent to zones 5 and 6 of Can.Ia, characterized by high percentages of Picea and AIniis viridis. In Can.Ib, peat accumulation 120 The Holocene 2 (1992) Figure 4 Foufchu pollen diagram. seems to have ceased during Roman times (as attested by the date obtained for the base of Can.Ia 5) and it is not clear when it recommenced. This makes it difficult to date accurately the three uppermost spectra of Can.Ib (zone 10). In addition to the above differences, the infilling of Canard Ib started before that of Canard Ia (zones Can.Ib 1 and 2 have no equivalents). Interpretation of pollen records The main common feature in the three pollen diagrams is the extraordinary abundance of pollen from taxa that could not have grown at the altitude of the Taillefer plateau. In some spectra the pollen sum of these allochthonous pollen grains (Corylus, Ulniiu, Acer, Fraxinirs, deciduous Qiiercus, Q. ilex type, Tilia, Viburnum, Vitis, Taxils, Carpinus, Fagus, Olea, Custanea, Jiiglans) may amount to half of the total frequencies (with a peak of 61% during the Corylus phase, and percentages exceeding 20% subsequently). These values are notably higher than those recorded for the Holocene in the diagram from La Muzelle, a site situated at higher altitude in the VCneon (2140m) (Co Gteaux, 1982b). This can be accounted for by the fact that the Taillefer plateau is close to a steep valley where the lower vegetation belts are wellrepresented. Moreover, the plateau faces the low Champagnier hills from which pollen is easily transported by northwest winds. Owing to these particular topographic conditions, the composition of spectra is not consistent with classical pollen transportation: pollen grains are recorded here that are normally exclusively present close to the plant from which they originate. This applies for example to Hederu, Ilex and particularly Tilia, whose continuous curve with values approaching 5% in Four.1 and 2 would normally indicate the proximity of a Tilia stand. It is reasonable to exclude' the hypothesis of a local presence of such taxa on the plateau. However, there is some uncertainty in relation to Abies and Picea, since it is known that high pollen percentages do not necessarily mean the presence of taxa insitii. In contrast, Pinils iincinara is clearly under-represented (percentages hardly exceeding 40%), since its presence at the site is attested by numerous trunks and macrofossils. Of course this underrepresentation may be due to an important upward transportation of pollen from other taxa. We believe that only an open woodland receiving important pollen influx from distant origin can explain these mixed spectra: the relatively high percentages of herbaceous taxa (mainly Poaceae) and their diversity also suggest the presence of meadows, which is consistent with our interpretation. On the other hand, these high mountain diagrams provide a good record of the regional forest history. Changes that occurred at different altitudes are excellent chronostratigraphical markers, as stated by Co Gteaux (1981). Vegetational history Zones with dominant Pinus (Can.Ib 1and 2) The blue-greyish clays at the base of Can.Ib yielded spectra clearly dominated by Pinus (up to 90%). In those sediments the high pollen concentration suggests an extensive regional Piniu forest. Can.Ib 1 is attributed to the end of the Lateglacia1 Interstadial, while Can.lb 2, with more abundant Artemisia, may correspond to the onset of the Younger Dryas. These spectra correlate well with those from the Lateglacial at la Muzelle (Coilteaux, 1982b) the nearest reference site. At la Muzelle, Co Gteaux inferred the local presence of Pinrts at 2100 m. Owing to an important pollen transportation from lower altitudes during the Holocene, the proximity of this site with respect to the timberline during the Lateglacial cannot be inferred from pollen spectra. Ph. Pone1 et 01.: Pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects, Taillefer Massif, French Alps 121 Table 1 Correlation between pollen assemblage zones in t h e ‘ three pollen diagrams. P.A.Z.: Pollen assemblage zones, B.S.: Beetles samples. CANARD la:ANARD It A. 14C BP P. z A. Z. 10 '- FOURCHU 14C BP POLLEN ASSEMBLAGES CHRONOZONES 9 Decline of Picea MODERN 115 + 6(I 1750 -9 8 8 and Castanea. Anthropogenic activities Rise in the Alnus viridis - MEDIEVAL +/-a0 SUBATLANTIC Low frequencies of Picea First occurrences of juglans Pinus cernbra major expansion fagus maximum Beginning of the Pinus (except P. cembra) decline More sustained Fagus values More abundant Pinus cembra 6 7 2600- 7 6 5 -4100+ 1-150 5 SUBBOREAL 7800 +/-I 10 3 2 4 'I 4 continuous curve of fagus 4600+ 1-140 Pinus cembra very rare 5140+/-60 Abies maximum Rise in Abies curve Pinus maximum -5000-4800 ATLANTIC 7800-7500 Corylus maximum SEDIMENTARY HIATUS Dominant Pinus Arternisia rise Dominant Pinus BOREAL 8800-8500. 10500 1 LATE GLACIAL The Lateglacial clays are in direct contact with peats that lack the early Holocene pollen zones, implying a sedimentary hiatus. This hiatus does not seem to be accidental since both at Fourchu and at Canard la sediment accumulation began after 9 O BP: therefore at the end of the Lateglacial and at OO the beginning of the Holocene, hydric conditions were not suitable for sedimentation or peat development in small depressions. 1 sentation. Taillefer probably received a pollen influx originating from a large Coryliu belt extending on the Romanche slope and reaching up to a higher altitude than Luitel. At Alpe d' Huez (1800 m altitude) (Co Qteaux, 1981; 1982a), Coryliu pollen values are much lower (15%). This may be due to the good representation of other pollen taxa (fern with monolete spores, Betitla), rather than to an eastwards decrease of the pollen influx originating from the low Romanche and Drac valleys. Zone with dominant Corylus (Four.l) Spectra from this zone clearly reflect the regional Coryha expansion starting around 9 O BP. Taxa present in the oak OO forest (Qiiercia, Ultnw, Tilia) have already attained frequencies of about 5% that will hardly increase thereafter. The early presence of Tiliu at a comparable level in Dauphin6 has been demonstrated by Clerc (1988). Pitnu is the only ivellrepresented taxon after Corylia: it was probably already present near the site (a subfossil trunk of P. iiricinatu is dated to 8200 BP near Lac Fourchu). A comparison with the site of Lac Luitel (Wegmuller, 1977) at 1250 m altitude shows that Coryliis values are one-third higher at Taillefer, while taxa belonging to the Quercetum mixtum have double the repre- Expansion z o n e of Abies (Can.Ia 1, Can.1b 3-4, Four.2) The decline of Coryliis and the regional expansion of Abies coincide with a rise in Pitiris values. The replacement of Corylia by Abies, whose pollen has a poorer dispersal ability, may account for a rise in Pitiiis percentages even though the area covered by this taxon is not increased. In Canard Ia, the beginning of this zone is dated to 7800-C 110 BP. This zone corresponds to the beginning of the Atlantic chronozone. The persistence of grassland taxa indicates that the environment was still open although it was colonized by Pitiiis unciriutu. 122 The Holocene 2 (1992) Abies major expansion (Can.1a 3, Can.Ib 5, Four.3) During this phase, stable percentages are-recorded for Pitiics and Abies, the latter taxon reaching values of 40% at Fourchu. The highest frequencies recorded at Fourchu as compared to Canard may partly be due to a better pollen dispersal of the locally dominant tree (Piniis iincitzata). At 1' Alpe d' Huez, Cofiteaux infers the local presence of a fir forest in view of Abies percentages slightly lower than at Taillefer while values of 80% are recorded at that time at Col Luitel (Wegmiiller, 1977). Thus the regional dominance of Abies is well-established. The first pollen grains of Fagiu are recorded in that zone. A similar first occurrence of Fagiis in the Dauphin6 plains has been demonstrated by Clerc (1988). In Four.3, at level 155 cm, an increase in the NAP, notably Arteniisia and Urticaceae, may reflect a first anthropogenic disturbance. d‘ Huez the regional expansion of Picea was also dated to Roman times by Co Qteaux (1982a). Major expansion of Picea, development of Alnus viridis (Can.Ia 5, Four.8) The presence of Picea forests near the plateau is attested by Picea percentages exceeding 10%. The substantial rise in the percentages of Alniu viridis and the coincident decline of Piniis allow one to date the final destruction of the subalpine Piniu cincinata forest from the beginning of this zone, i.e. 1750280 BP. It is possible that Picea could not reach the plateau because of intensive anthropogenic activities. Fail of Fagus; more abundant Juglans and Castanea; high Plantago, Artemisia, Cereales (Can.Ia 6, Four.9) Indications are found for increasing pastoral activities (Pfantago, Arteniisia, Urticaceae). The culture of Jiiglans and Castanea became more widespread: one notes a substantial reduction of the mountain beech forest, which had been spared up to that time. Distant agricultural activities are even suggested by increased percentages of Olea pollen, whose extraordinary capacity to disperse over long distances is wellknown. The beginning of this phase is dated to the Middle Ages (915 k 60 BP). Continuous presence of Fagus at low percentages (Can.Ia 3, Can.Ib 6, Four.4) This zone is characterized by a minor expansion phase of Fagiu in the Romanche basin. The first “ C dates obtained in Can.Ia showed that this expansion phase lasted a long time (65202220 BP to 2240k 180 BP) and suggested a gap in sedimentation during a great part of the Subboreal chronozone. This was verified by the date obtained for the equivalent zone at Fourchu; at that site the first expansion of Fagiu is dated between 5140.2 160 BP and 4100k 150 BP. These dates are consistent with the regional chronology of the Fagiis expansion at the Atlantic-Subboreal boundary: therefore they are considered valid while those obtained at Canard must be rejected. The deposition of trunks in the peat of Canard I at different periods and with various dips is not clear: some branches may have been thrust into older sediments, but peat may also have accumulated upon older stumps (as attested by a few outcropping trunks.) Such phenomena, which have been described elsewhere (Reille, 1991), may explain the aberrant dates obtained at Canard Ia. The first occurrences of cereal pollen, Platitago lunceolata and Urticaceae indicate anthropogenic activities. Alnics viridis is regularly recorded. The first pollen grains of Picea may correspond to longdistance transportation. Plant macrofossil records Methods Samples of 100 cm’ volume were soaked for several hours in a 10% KOH solution. The’ dispersed suspension was then washed under running water using a special container. The overflow and the washed macrofossils were run through three sieves with 0.5, 0.3 and 0.2mm mesh. A fourth sieve with 2.0 mm mesh was placed over the container. Particular fractions of plant were selected under XlOO binoculars. A mixture of ethyl alcohol, glycerin and distilled water with added thymol was used for the preservation of fossils. Figure 5 indicates the numbers of the most important macrofossils obtained from selected levels at Canard Ib. Increased Fagus percentages, Pinus cembra rise (Can.Ia 4, Can.Ib 7, Four.5) It seems that Piniu centbru has been modestly present in the region since the onset of the Holocene. In this zone it began to expand. Slightly decreasing Abies values in Canard I suggest that Pitiiu cenibra may have expanded at the expense of the upper part of the fir forest. It is important to note that P. cetiibra percentages have only a minimum indicator value because of the difficulty encountered in the specific identification of pollen grains of this taxon (Beaulieu, 1977). Pinus cembra major expansion (Can.Ib 8, Four.6) The expansion of Piniu cetnbra implies successful competition with the other pine species; in particular it coincided with the decline of P. iincinata. Human activity is indicated throughout the zone. There is no radiocarbon date available for this zone; however, in view of the absence of Jiiglans, an age older than 2000 BP may be assigned to it. Results Macrofossils generally were well preserved and several ‘ dozen taxa were recorded. The abundance locally of some taxa is confirmed by the presence of several kinds of macrofossils (eg., needles and seeds of pine and juniper, fruit and buds of birch). Among shrubs and trees, pine is most frequently recorded, the greatest amount of needles (442 per 100 cm') being found in the sample at 112-114 cm, together with eight seeds and cones of Pitiics iinciflata. Fruit, fruit scales and bud scales of treebirch were less abundant.Birch taxa are represented by Betiila alba (coll.), Betcilu cf. carpatica and a Betiila sp. (bud scale). The greatest amount of Jiiniperiu communis s.1. (22 specimens) is recorded in the sample taken at 112-114 cm. In some cases, both needles and seeds were found. Among herbaceous plants, five sedge taxa were most frequently recorded. Carex is the best represented taxon with 174 specimens at 102-101 cm. Terrestrial plants are poorly represented. Single specimens were recorded for Vacciniurn rnyrtilhis, Alcheniilla sp., Potentilla sp., Selagitiella and Rhododendron sp. Low Picea values, decline of Pinus cembra (Four.7, Can% 9) This zone is well characterized only at Fourchu, where the presence of Jiiglans allows one to assign it to the beginning of Roman times. Clearer evidence for pastoral activities is found (presence of Plantago, Riitnex, Platitago lanceohfa).At Alpe Comparison between macrofossil occurrences and pollen diagrams Some trees. shrubs and herbaceous plants are reprcscnted in Ph. Pone1 et 01.: Pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects, Taillefer Massif, French Alps 123 CANARD Ib Alt. 2055m 0 150 5 50 100 0 40 10 50 10 0 2 0 5 5 10100 10 a 5 5 5 5 50 100 0 bO 10 G 10 5 5 5 Figure 5 Plant macrofossils histograms from Canard Ib. (F: Fruits; FS: fruit scale; BS: Bud scale; N: Needle; C Cone; S: Seeds; V:vegetative part). both the macrofossil and pollen records. This permits the following comparisons. a) Pine is the dominant taxon both in pollen diagrams and in the macrofossil material (needles). In the lower part of the sediments (especially at 114-112 cm), a depression in the pollen curve of pine coincides with less abundant macrofossil records, while at higher levels a rise in the pollen curve corresponds to maximum frequencies of macrofossils. Above level 44-62 cm, pollen grains and macrofossils of pine begin to decrease. In the uppermost levels a rise is observed in the pollen curve of the pine while macrofossils are absent. This suggests that the area surrounding the peat bog was entirely treeless. b) A good correlation is observed also between the pollen curve of Betiila and the macrofossil frequences recorded for this taxon. Pollen grains and macrofossils of Betufa are most abundant in the deepest part of the section. Macrofossils show that the species involved is the tree birch (Berula carpafica type). Samples from the upper part of the peat bog are characterized by the disappearance of the birch as a result of deforestation. C) The distribution of Pini& cembra macrofossils also agrees with the palynological results. Numerous macrofossils were recorded in the upper part of the sediment, this being consistent with the corresponding regular pollen curve obtained for this taxon. Below, it is represented only by a few pollen grains and macrofossils. d) Macrofossils of Jriniperils comntunis s.1. were the most abundant in the lowest part of the sediment, where the highest percentages of pollen grains were also recorded. Above, only isolated pollen grains and a few macrofossils were found for this taxon. e) Very few Lark needles were discovered in the upper and middle part of the core. Only one pollen grain was recorded. This is not surprising as pollen grains of Lark are always underrepresented. f) In the upper part of the sediment, two needles of Picea excelsa were found, this being consistent with the increasing amount of pollen grains recorded for this taxon in this section. The tree and shrub taxa just cited were components of the local plant communities established on and near the peat bog, as evidenced by the abundance of macrofossils and pollen grains. For most of the numerous trees that are represented by consistent pollen curves (Abies, Coryhrs, Ulrnils, Qrtercrrs, Alnus, Tilia) no macrofossils were recorded, except some isolated needles of Abies alba and a fruit of Alnirs viridis. The largest number of Abies alba needles were found in the lower part of the core, where the percentages of pollen grains are the lowest, generally under 10%.Besides, only needles were found in two samples taken at 80-82 cm and 32-34 cm. This indicates that most of the fir pollen grains come from a distant origin. Fir stands may have been present near the site, perhaps on the border of the peat bog, at the commencement of peat accumulation. The decreasing amounts of macrofossils of this taxon coincide with the maximum of Pinus rincinata in the area. Pollen grains from other taxa originate from lower altitudes. Among the herbaceous plants growing on the peat-bog, sedges are dominant, as appears from the Cyperaceae curve. 124 The' Holocene2 (1992) They dominated a local plant community including Bryales, Metiyanthes trifofiata and Spfiagniitti. Conclusions from the pollen and plant macrofossil evidence The three pollen diagrams presented in this paper highlight the importance of the infillings of the Taillefer plateau depressions for regional vegetational history. Gaps in sedimentation are inferred, one occurred in the early Holocene and is recorded in all three boring, while the two others are less persistent and would seem to have been caused by strictly local events. Pinris rincinata achieved its major Holocene expansion during the early Atlantic as confirmed by the heaviest accumulation of needles recorded for this period. However, ‘ this major expansion of Pinris iincinafa occurred prior to the Subboreal period corresponding to the maximal concentration of subfossil trunks (Edouard el al., in press). The latter might be related to a decline phase of the Pitiris iittcitiafa forest, since it also coincides with the expansion phase of Pinis cenibra, as attested by the pollen curves and macrofossils of this taxon, although these trunks were not determined to species level. The landscape during the Atlantic chronozone may have consisted of an open woodland with Pinus iincitiata associated with two Betirla species (B. alba and B. verriicosa). The open character of this environment is attested by th' e abundance of Jiiniperiu and a presence of Vaccinhni, especially as far as macrofossils are concerned. It therefore appears that prior to any human activity, the forest limit was not a well-defined line between forest and grassland, but that a natural zone of competilion already existed between the two vegetation types. Macrofossils provide valuable information about three forest taxa. Larkis almost absent from the pollen diagrams of the Taillefer, as it was from the western slope of Oisans, which suggested a late penetration (Cofiteaux, 1982a). However, macrofossils show that this tree was present as early as the Atlantic although it played a secondary role at that time. In contrast, the abundance of Abies pollen may reflect the presence of the tree bt sifii, while the scarcity of macrofossils clearly indicates that although at that time it grew nearer the study sites than today, it was not present in the immediate surroundings. A similar interpretation can be applied to Picea after ZOO0 BP. wide polythene bowl and mineral oil (e.g., kerosene) added and thoroughly mixed with the damp residue (this mixing is best done manually to ensure that the oil comes into contact with all the plant and animal debris). After decanting the surplus oil, enough water is added to ensure that there is a clear separation between the floating and sunken fraction (most insect remains will be found in the floating part since the oil has a tendency to absorb on to their surfaces). The floating fraction is then decanted into the 300 pm sieve and ‘ there thoroughly washed, first in detergent to remove the oil, and then in alcohol toremove the detergent and water and to ensure that most insect remains sink when the mixture is transferred to a beaker. The insects can then be recovered using a binocular microscope and searching through the residue in small aliquots in petri dishes. The insect fossils are stored in tubes of alcohol in order to prevent fungal attack and to maintain their shape, which is lost if they are allowed to dry out. Identification is carried out by direct comparison with well-determined species in a modern collection. At the Taillefer site, nine l Ocm samples were taken for insect analysis and processed in the manner described. All the samples, except two, were taken from the side of the Canard Ia pit. The exceptions are sample number 6 corresponding with level 100-110 cm in Canard Ib, which was rich in coniferous leaf litter, and sample 9 corresponding with the clay at the very bottom of Canard Ib. Each sample was approximately nine litres when taken in field damp condition. Care was taken to prevent the samples drying out before processing. The most abundant insect fossils obtained were of beetles (Coleoptera) probably because of the robust nature of their exoskeletons. The high number of species (in France almost 10 000 species), the good preservation, their diversity of habitat preferences and the specific complexity of the fossil remains make the beetles of inestimable value in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions (Coope, 1979, 1986). Results and interpretation of the faunal sequence A list of species obtained from the Taillefer site is given in Table 2. The species are arranged in the taxonomic order and their nomenclature follows that of Lucht (1988). The numbers opposite each species and under each sample heading indicate the minimum number of individuals recovered from each sample. Altogether 150 taxa have been recognized of which 91 can be determined to species level. Only one of them (Pafrobiuassirnilis) is now absent from France. The varying habitat preferences of these species can be grouped under a number of ecological headings. These are presented in the form of an ecological spectrum in which the actual numbers of species per category are shown (Figure 6). No attempt has been made to utilize their specific abundance since this often reflects the availability of very local habitats rather than the broader picture of the environment of the region. It is plain from Figure 6 that there is a succession of environmental changes shown by the fauna sequence from Taillefer. The specific composition and ecological significance of the coleopteran assemblage from each sample will be described here, comzncing with the lowest sample. Coleoptera Methods The value of Quaternary entomology in the interpretation of past climates and ecologies has only recently been recognized in France; it is thus necessary to outline briefly the extraction procedures involved. These have been described previously by Coope (1968). The sedimentary sequence is usually sampled continuously in 5 or l Ocm units from top to bottom and each sample is packed whilst still damp into polythene bags. If the material is rich in clay, it is important that the samples are not allowed to become dry or they are very difficult to disaggregate. The samples may then be broken down in the laboratory using a water stream and the fine debris eliminated by washing over a 300 p n sieve. In some samples the long plant fibres congest the finer sieves and it is necessary to eliminate this coarse material by superimposing a 5 mrn sieve above the finer one. This coarse fraction can be checked continuously to see that no insect remains have been retained. The material retained on the finer sieve is then placed in a Sample 9 (120-130cm below surface) The clay layer directly overlying the rock base of the section is poor in organic material, both vegetable and animal. Insect remains are few and only eight taxa have been identified. The carabid & tnbidion bipitnctafran has a very clear ecological Ph. Pone1 e or.: Pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects, Taillefer Massif, French Alps 125 f Tabie 2 List of Coleoptera from Taillefer. The figures indicate the minimum number of individuals per sample. Species sample number 123456789 - Species sample number 123456789 - Carabidae Leistits nifidirs (Duft.) Noriophilus aquaticus (L.) Rembidion bipuncfatum (L.) Bernbidion jacqueri Jeanne1 Benibidion sp. Patrobus assimilk Chaud. Trichotichnus nitens (Heer) Harpalus sp. Pterostichus diligens (Sturm) Pterosfichus nigrita (Payk.) Pterostichus externepunctafus 1 1221 441 12 11 1 1 1 1 11 1 2 224121 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lathrobhim terminarum Grav. Xantholinics sp. Othiiu sp. Philonthus/Quediiu spp. Quedius punctatellus (Heer) Quedius dubim (Heer) Bolitobius sp. Tachinus ochsi Coiff. Driisilla canaliculata (F.) Aleocharini indet. A leochara bilin eafa Gyll. Aleochara sp. Cantharidae Cantharis pagana Rosh. Cantharis sp. Rhagonycha sp. Melyridae Haplocnemus sp. Dasytes sp. Elateridae Arnpediu balteafus (L.) Ampedus spp. Dalopiiu marginatus (L.) Cteniceru cuprea (F.) Prosternon tessellarum (L.) Selatosomus aeneus (L.) Selatosomus rugosus (Germ.) Denticollis Iinearis (L.) Limoniiu aeneoniger (Geer) Harminiiu undulatus (Geer) Athoiu spp. Elateridae indet. Throscidae Throscru sp. Byrrhidae Byrrhrcs pusticlatiu (Forst.) Byrrhus sp. Nitidulidae Meligethes sp. Rhiizophagidae Rhizophagru dispar (Payk.) Cryptophagidae Cryptophagus aciifangulus Gyll. Lathrididae Enicmus sp. Corticaria sp. Mycetophagidae hfycetophagiu sp. Colydiidae Ditoina crenata (F.) Coccinellidae Chilocoriu bipustulatiu (L.) Adonia variegata (Goeze) Hippodamia tredecimpicnctata (L.) Adalia bipunctata (L.) Coccinelln sp. 1 611 1 1 141010 9 4 6 2 1 3 1 4512 53 1 112331 1 335 57 4 1 1 2 5 111 11 1212 (W.1 Calathus micropteriu (Duft.) Amara ciirfa Dej., Cymindis vaporariuni (L.) Dromius sp. 3 521 1, Dgtiscidae Guignotiu pusilliu (F.) 1 Hydroporus ?nivalis Heer 1 Hydroporus spp. 1 31 5 1 14 32 2 2 1 Pofamdnectes griseostriatus (Gee]-) 2 111 Agabus bipusticlatus (L.) 11 Agabiu solieri Aube 1 1 Rhantiu sp. 1 1 11 Gyrinidae Gyriniu ?subsfriarus Steph. Hydraenidae Hydraena sp. Limnebiiu truncatelliu (Thunb.) Helophonu schmidfiVilla Helophoriu glacialis Villa Helophorus flavipes F. Hgdrophilidae Cercyon tristis (Ill.) Cercyon sp. Hydrobirrs fuscipes (L.) Anacaena sp. Enochrus fuscipennis (Thorns.) Silphidae Silpha tyrolensis Laich. Catopidae Catops sp. Staphplinidae Eiuphalerirm spp. Onialium excavatiirn Steph. Olophrum alpinuni (Heer) Eucnecosum ?brachypterum (Grav.) Acidofa crenafu (F.) Aniphicroum ?hirtellimz (Heer) Lesfeva sp. Anthophagiis bicornk (Block) Oxyteliis cornplanatus Er. Platysthetus arenariiu (Fourcr.) Platysthefirs cornutiu (Grav.) Sfenru gr. bigicttatiu (L.) Steniu brunnipes Steph. Steniu tarsalis Ljungh Stenris spp. 1 11 5 2 6 1 2 1 4 1 1 212144 1 1 11 1 1 13 1 1 211 3 1 1 1 4 11 1 1 2 1 112 11 1 1 4 10 72 1 1 21 3 14 2 11 1 1111 221 7 2 4 22 627 8 9 365 1 2 3 5 112 1 11 1 2 1 ‘ 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 18 1 3 7 12 1 2 23 53 918 9 6 21 1 16 1 11 12 12 1 1 1 11 1 1 111 1 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 126 The Holocene 2 (1992) Species sample number 123456789 Species sample number 123456789 Anobiidae Grynobius planiu (. F) Ptinidae Ptiniu sp. Pjthidae Pytho depressiu (L.) Alleculidae Isomira murina (L.) Afycetochara thoracica Gredl. Tenebrionidae Hypophloeicr linearis F. 11 1 1 2 1 2 Crepidodera ?peirolerii (Kutsch.) Alticinae indet. Scolytidae Hylastes arer (Payk.) Blasfophagiispiniperda (L.) Dryocoetes aiifographus (Ratz.) Pifyophfhorussp. Pityogenes bisrridentafiu (Eichh.) Pifyokreines curvidens (Germ.) Ips acuminatiu (Gyll.) Ips cembrae (Heer) Xylotenu lineaiiu (01.) Scolytidae indet. Platjpodidae Platypus cylindrus (F.) Curculionidae Apion spp. Otiorhynchus hypocriia Rosh. Otiorhynchus variiu Boh. Otiorhynchiu tener Stierl. Otiorhynchicr pauxillus Rosh. Otiorhynchus sp. Polydriuus sp. Sifona sp. Cossoniis linearis (F.) Rhyncolicr sp. Doryromus sp. Anthanomus varians (Payk.) Ciirciilio ?pellitus Boh. Curciilio pyrrhoceras Marsh. Pissodes pini (L.) Hypera pedestris (Payk.) Ceiiforhynchus sp. Gymnaetron sp. Rhynchaeniu quercus (L.) Curculionidae indet. 1 1 1 22 1 11 1 1 1 121 3511 2 1 14 1 1 12 1 Scarabaeidae Onfhophagusfracticornis (Preyssl.) 1 Aphodius haemorrhoidah (L.) 1 Aphodius Iuridus (F.)ldepressus 1 (Kug.) Aphodiiu niirtus Villa 13 30 15 13 12 24 7 8 2 Aphodiiis obsciirus (. F) 13 1 Hoplia philanthiu (Fuessl.) 11 11 Lucanidae Ceruchiu chrysomelinus (Hochenw.) Cerambycidae Lepturini indet. Chrysome Iidae Donacia aquatica (L.) Dona2ia obsciira Gyll. Plateumaris discolor (Pam.) Cryptocephalus sp. Chrysochloa speciosa (L.) Phyllodecra sp. Liiperus sp. Phyllorreta sp. Halfica sp. 1 1 5 1 1 21 1 1 22 213 1 5 10 2 12 18 23 10 1 5 1 0 14 10 50 145 21 1 1488 1 1 11 1 1 1 2 111 1 7 2 2 36393 2 1 1 1 1 1 1141524 1 2 1132 1111 1 3 121111 1 233 1 1 6 10 5 13 1 5 11 2 1 Figure 6 Beetle fauna from Canard Ib divided up according to ecological groupings. The numbers refer to the numbers of taxa present in each group except for Ilelophorics glacialis where they refer to the minimum number of individuals per sample. In the ‘ tree dependent’ column the Scolytidae (obligate bark-beetles) are shown by cross hatching. Ph. Pone1 et al.':Pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects, Taillefer Massif, French Alps 127 meaning: this ground beetle lives exclusively in open ground mainly on barren and damp places. It is known from the surrounds of melting snow patches and ponds (Jeannel, 1941; Bonadona, 1971). In south France it occurs only at high altitude, but further north in Europe it lives at sea level. The elaterid Selatosomics riigosics is linked to mountain grasslands where it is found under stones. Its larvae feed on the roots of grasses. According to Leseigneur (1972), it is a boreoalpine relict species. Anthophagiu bicornis, mainly but not exclusively a tree-dependent taxon, does not suggest the proximity of forest since it can also be found in meadows. Furthermore it often flies and its small size makes long-range transport easier. The discovery of one Aphodiils species might suggest the presence of a dung beetle community, and therefore of big mammals. A careful study of the fossils revealed that this scarabeid was Aphodius mixtiu, a species which is phytophagous and not coprophagous (behaviour almost unique among French Aphodiiu); its larvae live on the roots of grasses in alpine pastures (Paulian, 1959). In this context the occurrence of a single specimen’ of the weevil Pissodes pini would seem anomalous since its larvae feed under the bark of coniferous trees. It may be that this species is the first representative of the abundant forest element so common above. However, it must be borne in mind that though this is a medium sized species, it is fully winged and flies readily, making it easily transported by winds from lower altitude. Taken as a whole, the assemblage from sample 9 suggests the presence of an alpine grassland. pearance in sample 4 may be a consequence of the thinning forest, exposing the ground to intolerable sunlight intensity during the summer months. Sample 7 (90-100 cm below surface) This sample shows some similarities to the previous one. Two wingless, carnivorous beetles are added to the non treedependent taxa list: Leistics nitidics and Pterostichiis externepiinctatics, both of which are middle altitude species always linked to subalpine forests. The click-beetle Dalopiics marginatits is a phytophagous forest species whose larvae are root eaters. Chilocorics bipicstulatus and Otiorhyncliiu variics are tree-dependent, the former feeding on aphids and the latter eating the leaves of a variety of trees. Both larvae and adults of Cossonzls linearis feed exclusively on the corticular tissues under Salk and Populiu bark. Anthonomics varians attacks the buds of conifers, mainly Pinits silvestris and Picea excelsa'(Hoffman, 1954). In contrast to these species, Helophorics glacialis is a high altitude insect only living in the cold wet soils around snow patches (Hansen, 1987). Only one specimen of this species has been found in sample 7. Being a good flier the occurrence of this species could be an accidental result of a passive transport maybe by downstream drift since the abrupt slopes of the Taillefer peak are close (loo0 m). In sample 7 aquatic phytophagous species appear for the first time; thus Donacia obscura lives inter alia on Carex rostrata and Scirprcs spp., Doriacia aquatica feeds on Sparganium simplex and Rariiinciihls lingua and Plateumaris discolor on Eriophoritm alpiniint and Carex spp. (Mohr, 1966). The adult life of these beetles is purely subaerial, but the larvae live continuously under the water surface breathing by means of air in the subaquatic stems of their host plants (Paulian, 1988). S a m p l e 8 (110-120 cm below surface) The assemblage of 39 taxa from this sample shows the total absence of true alpine meadow beetles. On the other hand, species are numerous that depend either directly or indirectly on trees. Denticollis linearis and Antpedus sp. have carnivorous and predatory larvae that live in rotten wood of various trees (only deciduous trees for D. linearis according to Leseigneur, 1972), Hoplia philanthics lives during larval stages on roots and is mostly found in woodlands, the larvae of the alleculid Isomira niiirina are phytophagous and eaters of rotten wood, the large and brilliant coloured chrysomelid Chrysocliloa speciosa feeds (both larvae and adults) on subalpine Umbellifereae, e.g., Laserpitiiim galliciim, L. latifoliiim, Angelica silvestris, Meum athamanticurn, none of which live today on the Taillefer Plateau. Calathus micropterics is a ground beetle common in mountains in scattered coniferous woodlands. Although Aphodiics rnixtus occurs in all samples it increases suddenly in sample 8 and continues at this level or above up to the top. This is a grassland species and suggests that woodland cover was not complete and open grass glades must have separated the trees. Sample 8 shows the first appearance of the aquatic fauna, e.g., Gyrinus sp., Hydroporics sp., Rharmcs sp., Helophoncs schntidti, Helophona flavipes, Anacaena sp. and Enochrusfrcscipennis. The occurrence of the ground-beetle Patrobics assiniilis may seem unexpected because this beetle is not found living today in France. Its actual distribution is, according to Jeanne (personal communication): ‘ Irlande, Angleterre, Ecosse, Shetlands, FCrots, Sugde, Norv?ge, Finlande, Russie septentnonale et nord-ouest de la Sib Crie; dans 1' Europe moyenne il est connu des moraines des environs de Hambourg, de Berlin et de Varsovie, des massifs hercyniens allemands: Erzgebirge, Isergebirge, Riesengebirge, et de quelques localites des Alpes du Vorarlberg, du Tyrol et de Salzbourg. I1 n' est pas connu de Suisse ni de France'. It is an eurytopic species found as well in meadows, lakeshores, marshes and in heaths and forests throughout Scandinavia (Lindroth, 1986); its final disap- Sample 6 (80-90 cm below surface) In terms of diversity this is the richest sample in the sequence. Among the 65 taxa making up this assemblage, forest and tree-dependent species are dominant. This is not very surpris- Figure 7 Present day distribution of Ifelophoritr glacialis according to Holdhaus and Lindroth, 1939. 1 2 8 The Holocene 2 (1992)ing since the sediment was mostly made up of conifer leaf litter. In comparison with the previous sample, several significant species occur for the first time. Thus Tricliotichnus nitens is a ground-beetle widespread in subalpine forests in the Alps, Jura, and Vosges (Jeannel, 1942). Qrtedius punctatellus is a carnivore living in humus, also restricted to forest environments (Koch 1989). Among the forest taxa, Rhizophagils dispar, Ditoma crenata and Hypophloeus linearis are small bark-beetles. Arnpedrs balteatils is a click-bettle rather common in large and old forests; its larvae live in rotten wood of different tree species where they prey upon other beetle larvae. This elaterid is often found in dead and dying trunks half embedded in peat bogs. The rare Pytho depressils is also a predator of other beetle larvae, living exclusively under the bark of coniferous trees. It was formerly restricted to the Alps and the Pyr CnCes, but is spreading today in France with conifer plantations. . . specific identification in these genera is almost impossible which makes the detailed interpretation of this assemblage difficult. Some species in this sample are quite dung dependent; though Oxytelus cornplanatus and Platysthetics cornutus are predatory, they are often found in the dung of big herbivorous mammals (Osborne, 1978) where they prey upon other small insects (e.g., Diptera larvae). Sample 3 (40-50 cm below surface) Sample 3 shows the first evidence of the decline in forest species which continues to the uppermost sample. About a dozen of these beetles occurred in this sample, most of which had been recorded earlier. Harminills undulatus has larvae which live in rotten wood of both deciduous and coniferous trees: Pinus, Abies, Picea, Fagrls. In France this rare boreoalpine species is restricted to cold forests in the Alps, Jura, Pyr CnCes (Leseigneur, 1972). It is noteworthy that the scolytid beetles increase at this level because they depend on dead and dying trees. In contrast to the reduction of the forest element the number of open-ground taxa increases; Bembidion bbunctatiim returns at this level and continues to the top. Its ecological significance has already been discussed. In Scandinavia, Cymindis vaporarium is found ‘ on more or less dry, sandy or gravelly, rarely peaty soil with sparse vegetation of Callunn, Empetrum, grasses, Cladonia, etc… both on open heaths and in thin pine forests' (Lindroth, 1986). Clearly the occurrence of these carabids suggests an opening or a thinning of the forest cover. The few phytophagous species provide little evidence of the composition of the flora of this open ground but low herbaceous plants must have been present. It is remarkable that true dung-beetles were absent from the level, implying the absence of large herbivorous mammals whose activities could have explained the opening up of the forest. Sample 5 (70-80 cm below surface) Among the 51 species identified from this sample the occurrence of Ceruchils chrysomelinus is of outstanding interest since this large lucanid (it sometimes reaches 18 mm) lives during both its larval stages and its adult life ‘ dans les souches pourries d' Abies et de Picea, dans les grandes for&froides; cite du h& tre par Mulsant. L‘ humiditC des, for& parait indispensable A la vie de I' espkce’ (Paulian, 1959). Personal observations carried out in Picea forests on the slopes facing north of Mont Tournairet (near St-Martin-VCsubie, Alpes Mantimes, France) seem to show that Cerrichus chrysomelinus seek? spongy rotten wood soaked with water. HervC (1951) also emphasizes the importance of climatic conditions, and mainly high humidity, in the distribution of this lucanid. A better knowledge of the actual distribution and bioclimatical exigences of Ceruchus chrysomelinus should allow an accurate and simple reconstruction of climatic conditions then prevailing on the Taillefer Plateau. C. chrysornelinils is known today from the Alps, Jura, Pyrknkes and Central Europe mountains. It does not occur in the Taillefer Massif but it lives not far away in Grande-Chartreuse Massif (d Cpartement de 1' Iskre) where the average annual rainfall reaches 2100 mm. Another forest dependent species from this sample.is Mycetochara thoracica which appears for the first time in this sequence. This beetle lives in rotten stumps of Abies, Picea and Lark (Caillol, 1914) and is therefore a valuable forest environment indicator. The dung-beetles Onthophagus fracticornis and Aphodirls obscurils usually found in excrement of big mammals such as cows, horses and sheep, are found in rather low numbers and probably suggest sporadic grazing within the forest at this time. . Sample 2 (20-30cm below surface) The insect assemblage from this sample shows a continuation of the decline in forest species (see Figure 6) and relative increase in the diversity of scolytids which usually depend on dead or dying trees. The open ground species continue to increase and Bembidion bipunctatiim, which here has suddenly increased its number of individuals from one to four is joined by B. jacqueti, an alpine species found at high altitudes at the margin of melting snow. Perhaps most significant of all is the sudden return of Helophorus glacialis whose numbers rise from zero to ten individuals in this sample compared with sample 3. This is a water-beetle that seems to be an obligate snow margin species wherever it occurs today. It would seem that some thermal threshold must have been crossed at this time permitting the sudden expansion of this species. The dung community, so important a component of the fauna of sample I (see Figure 9, is here represented by three individuals of Aphodirls obscurils no doubt indicating the amval of the large herbivorous mammals. Donacia obscura was still present in numbers, implying the persistence of Carex swamp in the area at this time, so there does not seem to be a significant reduction in precipitation that could also have contributed to the decline in the forest, and some other factors must have been at work. Sample 4 (50-60 cm below surface) Tree-dependent species are still numerous, e.g., Leisttls niiidus, Cafathiu microptenls, Hoplia phifanthia, Lepturini indet., Phyllodecta sp., Ryncolus s ., Anthonomw varians, Citrculio ?pellitus, Pissodes pini and Grynobiils planus. Grynobius planus is found for the first time in this sequence. Its larvae drill extensive galleries in old wood of several broadleaf tree species, mainly beech (Dajoz, 1965). In contrast, the appearance of Noriophilils aquaticia, a carnivor that hunts Collembola and mites in open country is interesting because it suggests that the forest was not totally closed and open clearings must have been available. A group of species, Pliyllotreta sp., Haltica sp., Alticinae indet., Apion sp., Sitona sp., also suggests an open landscape or a scattered forest since these beetles feed on low plants (though some Haltica species live on ligneous shrubs or even on trees). Unfortunately a Sample I (0-10 cm below surface) The sample 1 beetle assemblage is dominated by two groups: first, open ground insects, either predatory (e.g., Notiophilus aquaticus, Bembidion bipunctatttm, B. jacqueti) or phytophagous (Helophorits glacialis, Ctenicera cuprea and probably Ph. Pone1 et 01.: Pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects, Taillefer Massif, French Alps 129 Haltica sp.); and secondly, the dung-beetle community which reaches here its highest richness in term of species number, with Aphodiils haemorrhoidalis, A. obscurus, Oxytelirs cotnplanatils, Platysthetils arettariils and Aleochara bilineata. Forest dependent species show further impoverishment implying the continued decline of the forest by this time, probably assisted by the grazing and browsing activities of the large herbivorous mammals. Conclusions from the Coleoptera The sequence of sediments at Taillefer Plateau spans a long period of time since the latest retreat of the ice from the plateau. At first (sample 9) the landscape was open ground with a sparse vegetation cover but trees rapidly colonized the area leading to a forest in which dense stands of trees were separated by grassy glades. The density of the forest is clearly indicated by the occurrence in sample 5 of Ceriichus clirysoriieliniis which is a lucanid (stag-beetle) that depends on old mature forest living in rotten fallen trunks of either conifers or broad-leaved trees. By this stage therefore, the forest had developed well beyond the pioneer stage of isolated trees in’ a grassy meadowlike settling. However, it must be emphasized that at all times the open glades persisted. The gradual decline of the forest is clearly shown in sample 3 and above with the decrease in diversity of the obligate forest species and the complementary increa' se in species of open ground. It is significant that this decline of the forest long predates the rise in the coprophagous species that indicate that incoming of grazing and browsing mammals. It can the5efore be said with conviction that the initial loss of forest was not a result of domestic animals exploiting the area-Furthermore the continued presence of beetles dependent for their foods supp Iy on Carex swamps (e.g., Donacia obscura) shows that the forest decline was not due to climatic dryness. Some other reason for the forest decline must therefore be sought. There is a clear evidence in sample 2 of climatic cooling in the sudden appearance in considerable numbers (at least 10 individuals) of Helophorils glacialis. This species today has a boreomontane distribution and is characteristic of the pools on the edges of melting snow patches where the vegetation is still black. Its presence here in such number suggests that it was already present in the area at higher altitudes and descended to the plateau level as its temperature threshold was crossed. This limiting temperature must have been about 10°C for the mean temperature of July, close to the growth limit of even the most climatically tolerant of trees (e.g., Betula). Since Betiila is absent from this district it is likely that the temperature threshold for the coniferous trees was reached at an earlier date (e.g., during sample 3 time). We thus have evidence from the coleopteran sequence of progressive cooling of the climate that must have begun with the elimination of the coniferous forest and eventually crossed the threshold for Helophorils glacialis. Only after climatic cooling had largely removed the forest from the plateau is there evidence of large herbivorous animals, perhaps due to pastoralism, exploiting the open grassland. General conclusions There are many palynologists in France but very few Quaternary palaeoecologists specializing in plant macrofossils. As regards palaeoentomologists, there have been none up to now. The multidisciplinary approach presented here is thus unique. It suffers from some imperfections, however, resulting partly from its being so new and partly from local constraints. Principally this approach is too isolated for its conclusions to be applicable to the whole of the Alps. However, it is obvious that only such approaches may provide a clear outline of environmental evolution in the mountains. The concordant results obtained in the three disciplines pollen, plant macrofossils and fossil insects-clearly demonstrate that a forest existed on the Taillefer plateau from at least 8ooO BP and that it disappeared around 2000 BP. However, this was not really a closed forest but a woodland consisting of dense island-like stands of Pinils itncinata and Betula alba and open lands, depending on microclimatic or edaphic parameters. This highlights the complexity of the forest limit even prior to the occurrence of any human action, and confirms the conclusions of Coiiteaux (1984) for a more central part of Oisans. However, there appears a discordance in relation to the presence of Abies alba on the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Although pollen was abundant, the scarcity of macrofossils suggests that this taxon was present quite near Lac Canard, though it had not yet reached it. While remains of Ceritchils chrysotnelittirs indicate the presence of rotten stumps of Abies on the very edge of the peat bogs, no fossil trunk of Abies has been recorded on the plateau up to now. However, it is always possible that individuals of C. chrysornelinils established themselves in the stumps of local trees, namely Piniis iincinara, since pines have been reported as alternative host trees. There is pollen analytical evidence for an early human impact on the Taillefer plateau; in particular the disappearance of Pin& uncinata may be related to marked anthropogenic activity during Roman times. However, the, abundance of coprophagous insects would indicate that pasture land achieved a maximal expansion later, after the Middle Ages. Neither macrofossils nor pollen curves can help define the role of climate in the variations of the forest upper limit. In contrast, Helophorirs glacialis may indicate a longer persistence of snow, and a lowering of the snow-line: its first appearance in samples 7 and 6 corresponds to the regional rise of Abies pollen and may be correlated with one of the cooling episodes described in the Austrian and Swiss Alps at the beginning of the Atlantic chronozone (Larstig, Froznitz, Misox: Patzelt, 1977; Gamper and Sutter, 1982). The reappearance in strength of Helophorus glacialis at 30 cm below the surface of Canard Ia is clearly correlated with the post Roman forest decline and with the regional expansion of Picea. Two hypotheses may be put forward. 1) The lowering of the forest limit as a result of human action modified the local albedo and brought about mesoclimatic conditions that favoured the persistence of snow cover. Thus man would have been an active agent in this change. 2) A real climatic deterioration accounted for the persistence of snow cover, which permitted the spread of Helophorirs glacialis to lower altitudes. Human action then took advantage of a natural climatic phenomenon, and may have been responsible for the late expansion of Picea. The insect assemblage from sample 3 spans the period of glacial advance called Goschener 2 which was recorded in the Swiss Alps (Zoller et al., 1966) and in the Mont Blanc region (Wetter, 1987). As regards sample 1, it spans the Little Ice Age, the regional importance of which was considerable (Vivian, 1977; Tessier et nl., 1986). However, it is interesting to note that each time H.glacia Iis appears in our diagram there is a corresponding decrease in the macroscopic fossils of trees, implying a local suppression of trees perhaps reflecting a real climatic cooling. Studies based only on pollen analyses may have underestimated the impact of climate on recent fluctuations of the timberline. Palaeoccological studies should 130 The Holocene 2 (1992) therefore be carried out in a series of other subalpine and alpine sites with the best possible chronological resolution so as to test further the hypotheses presented above, Camper, M. and Sutter, L. 1982 Postglaziale Klimageschichte der Schweizer Alpen. Geographia Helverica 37 Jg, H2: 105-14. Hansen, M. 1987: The Hydrophiloidea (Coleoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark, Fauna Entomologica Scundinavica 18, Leidenl Copenhagen: E.J. 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Wetter, W. 1987: Gletscherschwankimgen ini hfont-Blanc-Gebiet. Zurich: Gebo Druc AG, 267p. Zoller, H., Schindler, C. and Roethlisberger, H. 1966: Postglaziale Gletscherstande und Klimaschwankungen im Gotthardmassiv und Vorderrheingebeit. Verhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Basel 77, H.2.97-164. Acknowledgements The research programme on the Taillefer Massif was supported by the ATP PIREN ‘ Histoire de l' environment et des ph6nomhes naturels.’ We are grateful to the ‘ Parc National des Ecrins' and to its officers for their help in the field. L. Tessier as well as J.L. Edouard, A. Thomas, C1. Goeury, P. Guenet, C. Penalba took an active part in the fieldwork. Michelle Pellet translated our manuscript into English. Thanks are due to Professor G.R.Coope and to Dr F.M. Chambers for helpful comments on the manuscript. 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Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</affiliation></name><name type="personal"><namePart type="given">J. L.</namePart><namePart type="family">de Beaulieu</namePart><affiliation>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</affiliation></name><name type="personal"><namePart type="given">K.</namePart><namePart type="family">Tobolsk</namePart><affiliation>Laboratoire de Botanique historique et Palynologie, URA CNRS D1152, 13397 Marseille Cedex 13, France, Quaternary Research Institute, Adam Mickewicz University, Ul. Fredry 10, 6170 Poznan, Poland</affiliation></name><typeOfResource>text</typeOfResource><genre type="research-article" displayLabel="research-article"></genre><originInfo><publisher>SAGE Publications</publisher><place><placeTerm type="text">Sage UK: London, England</placeTerm></place><dateIssued encoding="w3cdtf">1992-07</dateIssued><copyrightDate encoding="w3cdtf">1992</copyrightDate></originInfo><language><languageTerm type="code" authority="iso639-2b">eng</languageTerm><languageTerm type="code" authority="rfc3066">en</languageTerm></language><physicalDescription><internetMediaType>text/html</internetMediaType></physicalDescription><abstract lang="en">In order to reconstruct the history of the tree-line fluctuations, an integrated palaeoecological study of pollen, plant macrofossils and insect fossils was made in two peat-bogs containing Pinus uncinata trunks in the Taillefer Massif (Isére, France) at an altitude of 2100 m (i.e., above the present timberline). There is apparently an absence of a local woodland during the Lateglacial. After a hiatus corresponding to the beginning of the Holocene, the local presence of P. uncinata is recorded from at least 7500 BP onwards. There are also indications of Abies woodland in the vicinity of the plateau during the Atlantic chronozone. Significant changes in regional ecosystems are recorded from 5000 BP in an expansion of Fagus and Pinus cembra, and the first pollen evidence for human activities. Plant macrofossils and fossil insects (mainly Coleoptera) significantly improved the interpretations based on pollen analysis. Pinus uncinata disappeared from the plateau at about 2000 BP, slightly before the expansion of Picea at lower altitude. Pollen data imply that the timberline recession may be due to the exploitation of the forest by man. However, a lowering of the snow-line coinciding with the decline of Pinus uncinata is attested by the appearance of the insect Helophorus glacialis. It is therefore probable that there was a combination of human action and climatic impact, the importance of the latter having often been underestimated up to now.</abstract><subject><genre>keywords</genre><topic>pollen analysis</topic><topic>tree line</topic><topic>plant macrofossils</topic><topic>insect fossils</topic><topic>climatic change</topic><topic>human impact</topic><topic>French Alps.</topic></subject><relatedItem type="host"><titleInfo><title>The Holocene</title></titleInfo><genre type="journal">journal</genre><identifier type="ISSN">0959-6836</identifier><identifier type="eISSN">1477-0911</identifier><identifier type="PublisherID">HOL</identifier><identifier type="PublisherID-hwp">sphol</identifier><part><date>1992</date><detail type="volume"><caption>vol.</caption><number>2</number></detail><detail type="issue"><caption>no.</caption><number>2</number></detail><extent unit="pages"><start>117</start><end>130</end></extent></part></relatedItem><identifier type="istex">E026C0E6E0D1E68732E1309ED6593B22D4C3D008</identifier><identifier type="DOI">10.1177/095968369200200203</identifier><identifier type="ArticleID">10.1177_095968369200200203</identifier><recordInfo><recordContentSource>SAGE</recordContentSource></recordInfo></mods></metadata><serie></serie></istex></record>Pour manipuler ce document sous Unix (Dilib)
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