LATE HOLOCENE TEMPERATURE DEPRESSION IN THE VENEZUELAN ANDES: PALYNOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
Abstract Pollen analysis of a peat bog at 4080 m elevation from the Paramo de Peidras Blancas has provided information on the climatic history of the last 1300 years. Before 1230 ± 80 14C yr B.P. until ca. 940 yr B.P. (Phase I) the palynomorph assemblage indicates a climate similar to the present day but the site was drier than today. From 900 to 740 yr B.P. (Phase II) temperature and humidity increased. From 700 to 380 yr B.P. (Phase III) there is a decrease in the abundance of all pollen grains and pteridophyte spores, besides the absence of arboreal pollen, indicating a retreat of the forest to lower elevations, and a very spores, besides the absence of arboreal pollen, indicating a retreat of site during this phase, and the climate was very cold. The pollen assemblage from 340 yr B.P. onwards (Phase IV) suggests an increase of humidity and probably a gradual rise of temperature. Correlation of this section with another peat core at a lower elevation in the same mountains is made. In general terms, the climate oscillations detected at Piedras Blancas find agreement in other parts of the world.