HOLOCENE VEGETATION DYNAMICS OF THE SOUTHEAST KOLA-PENINSULA, RUSSIA

Two lakes on the southeast Kola Peninsula were investigated by pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating. At c. 11 000-10 000 BP some areas in me southeast of the Kola Peninsula became ice free and sedimentation i n the lakes began. Forest tundra with Betula grew in the region at c. 10 000 BP. The maximum spread of birch forests occurred between 9000 a nd 8000 BP. Pinus sylvestris expanded from 9000 BP, when the birch-tre e cover became more dense. Alnus incana expanded from c. 7500 BP as th e area of pine forest increased and the birch forest area reduced. At 7000 BP, Picea obovata expanded. The pine forest and total forested ar ea was probably maximal between 6500 and 5500 BP. Paludification of th e area occurred c. 6500 BP. Climatic deterioration after 4500 BP led t o the reduction of the area of pine forest and pear bogs expanded, esp ecially during the last 1000 years. During the last 2500-2000 years th e structure of the modern vegetation developed.