Late Holocene environment in Coondapur area, Karnataka: Preliminary palynological results

Abstract

Palynological studies of sediments cored between the depths of 145 to 425 cm in Coondapur area, on the west coast of India in Karnataka, produced evidence of continuous existence of a well-developed mangrove forest during the recent past. The pollen spectrum is mainly constituted by mangrove species; their constant representation (always more than 50%) shows stability of the environmental conditions; beside the dominant mangrove pollen, there are also those of the local vegetation. Prevalence of marine influence has been recorded throughout. Hinterland mountain vegetation is poorly represented. Such a palynological assemblage is indicative of a lagoon environment. The almost total disappearance of mangrove vegetation at this site today may not necessarily be due to a drastic change in ecological and hydrological conditions but it is certainly accelerated because of the anthropic pressure: land reclamation, as well as time, honoured practice of cutting wood.