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Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. In: Mangrove dynamics and management in North Brazil

  • H. Behling
  • M. Cohen
  • R.J. Lara
  • V. Vedel

Abstract

In this chapter, we will summarize the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the main research area of the MADAM project (Bragança Peninsula) and the neighboring areas of the Amazonian coastal region in northern Brazil. About 12 sediment cores, which have been radiocarbon dated and studied by pollen and sediment analysis, provide a detailed insight into past environmental changes and give an outline of sea-level and climate change and its influence on mangrove development and dynamics during the Holocene. The hydrology of the coastal Amazonian wetlands is strongly influenced by the Atlantic sea-level. Rapid sea-level rise in the early Holocene stabilized at near modern levels at ca. 7,500 14Cy BP (radiocarbon years Before Present) and mangroves started to develop in the modern coastal area. The retreat of mangroves after about 6,700 14Cy BP reflects a lower relative sea-level (RSL). The present-day mangroves developed mostly between 4,000 and 3,500 14Cy BP or somewhat later. Since mid-late Holocene times, the mangroves covered even the most elevated area on the Bragança Peninsula, which is today a salt marsh, suggesting somewhat higher RSLs. A model of the mangrove dynamics and coastal change of the Bragança Peninsula will be provided. On the Bragança Peninsula, mangrove vegetation started to develop at different times at the three sites: at 5,120 14Cy BP at the Campo Salgado site, at 2,170 14Cy BP at the Bosque de Avicennia site and at 1,440 14Cy BP at the Furo do Chato site.

Cite this activity

Behling H., Cohen M., Lara R.J. and Vedel V. (2010) Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. In: Saint-Paul U. & Schneider H. (eds.). Mangrove dynamics and management in North Brazil (pp. 35-44). 10.1007/978-3-642-13457-9_4

Details

Date 01.01.2010
Pages 35-44
Book Title Mangrove dynamics and management in North Brazil
Editors Saint-Paul U. and Schneider H.
ISBN 978-3-642-13456-2
ISSN 0070-8356
Open Access Closed Access
Open Access Status Closed Access
Eprints_link https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/956

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