Phytoliths from loess in Southland, New Zealand

This pilot study establishes and quantifies phytoliths in five cores of loe ss from different sites in Southland, New Zealand. A total of 48 samples we re processed and phytoliths were present in the upper portions of all cores . Phytolith analysis provides information on vegetation changes in Southlan d in response to climate for about the last 24 000 years. High numbers of b oth grass and tree phytoliths at about the Oxygen Isotope Stage 2/3 boundar y suggest an open tree-land. This abruptly changes to a landscape dominated by cold-climate tussock grasses. Problems associated with phytolith preser vation in the bottom of all cores have been identified and possible solutio ns suggested.