Middle Weichselian environments on western Yamal Peninsula, Kara Sea based on pollen records
![](/images/orcid_16x16.png)
Pollen data from two sections from coastal cliff on western Yamal Peninsula (69°43.27ŽN, 66°48.80ŽE) document the environmental history during the Karginsky (Middle Weichselian) interstadial. Low pollen concentrations, large amounts of redeposited pollen, and relatively large presence of Artemisia pollen characterize sediments deposited c. 33 14C ka. The narrow 14C age interval possibly indicate that some of the plant macrofossils might be reworked and/or it may indicate high accumulation rate with deposition. Grass-sedge plant associations with few other herbs occupied the area during the late Karginsky interstadial. Artemisia pollen may indicate rather xerophytic vegetation, and disturbed soils in the area. Dominance of redeposited pollen reflects scarce (disturbed) vegetation cover and low pollen productivity. The climate was relatively cold and dry. Sediments 14C dated to c. 33.4 ka (IRSL age is 35.7 ± 3 ka) contain less redeposited pollen and concentration of non-redeposited pollen is significantly higher. Pollen contents indicate the dominance of tundra-like grass-sedge vegetation and more humid conditions. Pollen records dated between 30.1 ± 3 and 25.1 ± 0.6 14C ka BP also reflect scarce tundra-like vegetation during this interval. Presence of Betula nana and Salix pollen may reflect limited presence of shrub communities. This suggests that the climate was somewhat warmer than during latter part of the interstadial. However, generally the pollen records show that harsh environmental conditions prevailed on the Yamal Peninsula during the Karginsky interstadial.
![](/images/orcid_16x16.png)
Helmholtz Research Programs > MARCOPOLI (2004-2008) > POL6-Earth climate variability since the Pliocene