The basis for valid paleoecological investigations is a profound know ledge of the evolution of climate. Moreover, paleoclimatological studies enable us — perhaps — to draw conclusions as to the future development of climate, provided the reasons for and the possible periodicity of changes in climate during the past are understood. So paleoclimatology has become an intensively investigated discipline. Of course it should be known whether the solar irradiance is variable or not (WILLSON et al. 1981, KERR 1982), and tectonic uplifting or down- warping may play an important role in the evaluation of possible climatic influences on the biosphere. So it is worthwhile to note that according to VOZOVIK (1976) the mean elevation of the watersheds in the Central Caucasus Mts. increased from late Pliocene times (Lower Akchagyl: 2000 m), and from the very beginning of the Pleistocene (Upper Akchagyl, 2700 m) to the Middle Pleistocene (end of the Apsheron, 3500 m), to 4400 m in recent times. The same topic has been analyzed by ALESHINSKAYA et al. (1976 a,b) in regard of the Tien Shan Mts., in connection with changes in synchronous paleoecological conditions. Other important boundary conditions are the surface areas of the inland ice-masses (for the last glaciation see DENTON and HUGHES 1981; for the whole of the Pleistocene, the continental shelf areas included: GROSVALt) 1983), as well as the changes in the CO2-content of the global atmosphere in an interglacial-glacial-interglacial cycle.

Studies in the vegetational history of Scotland. I. A pollen diagram from Abernethy forest, Inverness-shire [Scotland.

Geobotany: the history of flora and vegetation during the quaternary

The Quaternary is the interval of geological time which covers the last 1–2 million years. It is unique in earth’s history for its oscillating climates, alternating at the latitudes of Europe and North America between short (c. 10–20 × 103 years) temperate stages and long (c. 50–100 × 103years) cold stages within which glaciation commonly occurred. In addition, the Quaternary witnessed the evolution of man. The number of temperate stages is unknown but at least 20 have been identified in deep-sea cores covering the last 2 million years (Hays et al., 1969; Shackleton and Opdyke, 1973, 1976). Nowhere on the continents have all these stages been identified. Indeed, the correlation between continental and marine sequences is a matter of considerable debate and uncertainty at present (see Kukla, 1977). In view of the great duration of the cold stages, the Quaternary should be viewed as a predominantly cold period interrupted periodically by warm phases — the brief interglacials with climates similar to those of today.

Quaternary Bryophyte Palaeo-ecology

These two vernacular building surveys were produced as evidence in a long-running court case involving Alexander Gordon of Strathavon and the Grants of Freuchie between 1585 and 1612. Essentially, the Gordons had accused their Grant tenants of the wanton destruction of forest in the lordship of Strathavon. To defend themselves, the Grants ordered that surveys should be undertaken of their properties that had been cited, to determine exactly how many trees were required either annually or biennially for each structure in every area of settlement occupation, and how many trees were also required for household items, agricultural implements, fencing, and ladders. During the period of the case it can be demonstrated that the Grants held other lands in Strathavon that were not included in either of the surveys so it appears as though the Gordon lawsuit was specifically targeted at a distinct block of Grant lands, amounting to a total of six dabhaichean (davochs).

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Studies in the vegetational history of Scotland. I. A pollen diagram from Abernethy forest, Inverness-shire [Scotland.

Citations

Geobotany: the history of flora and vegetation during the quaternary

Quaternary Bryophyte Palaeo-ecology

Two 1585 X 1612 surveys of vernacular buildings and tree usage in the lordship of Strathavon, Banffshire

The Cairngorms in Relation to the UK Environmental Change Network (ECN)

The Stratigraphy of Kirkhead Cave, an Upper Palaeolithic Site in Northern England: a comment.

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