THE LATE‐GLACIAL DEPOSITS AT GLANLLYNNAU, CAERNARVONSHIRE

Abstract

Late‐glacial deposits from two kettleholes at Glanllynnau, Caernarvonshire, are described and the lithological units and their stratigraphical relationships are discussed. The pollen analytical procedure and the method of zonation are outlined. The characteristics of each pollen assemblage zone are described, and a correlation is made between pollen zones and lithostratigraphic units: the environmental implications are stated. An attempt is made to determine the relative pollen concentration within each pollen zone/lithological type, in order to assess the relevance of statements deduced from the Blelham Bog comparison of absolute and percentage pollen data (Pennington and Bonny, 1970). The pollen record at Glanllynnau is interpreted in terms of (i) the terrestrial vegetation history, and (ii) the aquatic vegetation and palaeoecology of the sites. The significance of the Glanllynnau 14C dates is examined and a brief comparison is made with similarly dated lithostratigraphic horizons at other British sites. The inconsistency between the coleopteran and floral evidence for the beginning of the Late‐glacial interstadial at Glanllynnau is noted, but no explanation can be given. The status of the Bölling–Alleröd interval is also considered. Copyright © 1974, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved