• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.414-425
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• 2011

The aim of this research is to infer paleovegetation and paleoclimate in the Hwajeon archeological site of Gwangju city during mid-Holocene through the analysis of pollen, waterlogged woods, and sediments. Between 8200 ~ 6800 years ago, relatively dry climate resulted in a weakened dominance of oak and high diversity of tree genus. During the Holocene climatic optimum period (6800 ~ 5900 years ago), oak forests expanded while wetland areas diminished as warm/humid climate intensified. Between 5900 ~ 4700 years ago, the entire forest area as well as oak climax forests was reduced due to a relatively cool/dry climate. However at the end of this period, oak forests expanded since a favorable climate condition temporarily resumed. Lastly, between 4700 ~ 3300 years ago, oaks dominated but alders were weakened. The density of forest was low because of a relatively dry climate in this period.