Multi-proxy reconstruction of the Holocene vegetation and land use dynamics in the Julian Alps, north-west Slovenia

Small mountain lakes are natural archives for understanding long-term natural and anthropogenic impact on the environment. This study focused on long-term (last ca. 13 000 years) vegetation changes and sedimentary processes in the catchment area of Lake Planina pri jezeru (1430 m a.s.l.) by using mineralogical, geochemical and palynological methods. Palynological results suggest that regional vegetation between 12 900 and 11 700 cal a bp was a herbaceous-forest tundra (Pinus, Artemisia, Poaceae). Climate warming at the beginning of the Holocene (ca. 11 700 cal a bp) caused the transition from a wetland (Cyperaceae) to an eutrophic lake with alternating anoxic (pyrite) and oxic conditions (gypsum). In addition, the surrounding area became forested (Picea, Larix, Ulmus). Fagus expanded at 10 200 cal a bp and Abies at 8200 cal a bp. Between 7500 and 4300 cal a bp, human impact on the environment was barely noticeable and mostly limited to grazing. During 4300-430 cal a bp human impact became more evident and gradually increased. The greatest influence was observed from 430 cal a bp onwards, when excessive exploitation of the surrounding area (logging and grazing) severely eutrophicated the lake.

Automated summary

This study investigates the long-term vegetation changes and sedimentary processes in the catchment area of Lake Planina pri jezeru in Slovenia over the past 13,000 years. The results reveal the impacts of climate warming, human activities, and vegetation succession on the environment.