Volume 7 (2010): Article 6

A protocol for plant macrofossil analysis of peat deposits.

by D. Mauquoy, P.D.M. Hughes and B. van Geel

Published online: 18.11.2010

Summary

Analyses of plant macrofossils can be used to reconstruct the development of the local vegetation on peatlands, and thus to elucidate successional processes. In the case of ombrotrophic peatlands, such analyses can also be used to generate palaeoclimate data. Identification of plant macrofossils in peat deposits is essential for accurate ¹⁴C dating. We present a brief overview of the sample pre-treatment procedure and available techniques for estimating macrofossil composition, and we recommend identification guides.

Citation

Mauquoy, D., Hughes, P.D.M. & van Geel, B. (2010): A protocol for plant macrofossil analysis of peat deposits. Mires and Peat 7: Art. 6. (Online: http://www.mires-and-peat.net/pages/volumes/map07/map0706.php)

Reviewers

IMCG and IPS acknowledge the work of the reviewers.