Palynological Study of Samples from Holes 379A, 380A, Leg42B

Abstract

A complete section of Pleistocene and probably Pliocene deposits was penetrated by the holes. Our palynological investigation enabled us to demonstrate a regular alternation of the floristic composition and, to a lesser extent, the vegetation cover of the Black Sea region during late Cenozoic time. The vegetation cover in the Pliocene was characterized by a rich flora with abundant subtropical and other thermophilic elements containing various forest formations. Most subtropical forms ceased in the Pliocene. The early Pleistocene cold climate entirely changed the character of the vegetation cover. During the Pleistocene repeated alternation of glacial vegetation, consisting of steppe assemblages, and interglacial vegetation, consisting of forest coenoses, took place.