From natural to cultural mires during the last 15 ka years: An integrated approach comparing 14C ages on basal peat layers with geomorphological, palaeoecological and archaeological data (Eastern Massif Central, France). (1st April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dendievel, André-Marie; Jouffroy-Bapicot, Isabelle; Argant, Jacqueline; Scholtès, Antoine; Tourman, Arnaud; Beaulieu, Jacques-Louis de; Cubizolle, Hervé
• Is Part Of: Quaternary science reviews. Volume 233(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04-01
• Subjects: Spatio-temporal distribution of mires -- Peat initiation -- Climate changes -- Human impact -- Radiocarbon dataset -- Vegetation dynamic synthesis; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Stratigraphie -- Quaternaire -- Périodiques; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2020.106219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-3791

Abstract

Abstract: This paper studies mire initiation modalities from the Late-Glacial to the Holocene by comparing radiocarbon ages on basal peat layers (112 sites from the Eastern French Massif Central – EFMC) with long-term land cover changes. We developed a semi-quantitative method based on the degree of openness and on Anthropogenic Impact Factors (AIF scores) from palaeoecological data (mire and lake records). Archaeological information was also considered to evaluate human impact. We compared regional mire development trends with datasets from Northern Europe, Siberia, Alaska and Canada, and with global CH4 emission. Heterogenous cases of mire initiation were highlighted during the last 15 ka years in the EMFC. From 15 to 11.7 ka cal. BP, some mires and histic horizons occurred, although further research is needed to better understand these peat accumulation phases. Related to the Early Holocene warming, a mire generation established by terrestrialization, in the southern EFMC where geomorphology favoured fens. Bogs also formed by paludification in the whole area between 10 and 7 ka cal. BP. Then, various cases of mire initiation were found from 4.4 to 2.4 ka cal. BP. The high number of mires established since 2.4 ka cal. BP could be related to major anthropogenic changes, indirectly favouring fens (in former ponds for instance) or small bogs (at the back of roads, walls or in abandoned drainage systems). This last generation was typical of Western European mountains and implied that moderate human impact may also produce socio-ecosystems with high ecological value. Highlights: An early mire inception phase occurred during the Late-Glacial (15.5 to 11.7 ka cal. BP), but further research is needed. Major generation of mires from 10 to 7 ka cal. BP linked with the Early Holocene climate. During the Early Holocene, geomorphology favoured fens in the south EFMC, while small bogs established in the whole area. New generation of mires since 4.2 ka cal. BP, with anthropogenic origins especially during the last 2.4 ka cal. BP.