Articles

Heathland and palynology of prehistoric barrows. Reflections on the interrelation between soil formation and pollen infiltration

Authors

  • W. Groenman-van Waateringe
  • T. Spek

Abstract

In the sandy areas of the Netherlands, heather (Calluna vulgaris) played an important role in the construction of prehistoric barrows, although, as will be shown in this paper, not in all periods as was recently asserted by Doorenbosch (2013). Since the mineralogical composition and the texture of the sandy deposits determine the vegetation and the occurrence of podzolization, no generalizations concerning the presence of heathland in relation to prehistoric barrows can be made. Post-depositional formation processes like podzolization and pollen infiltration should always be considered in relation to the nature of the subsoil.

Published

2016-12-01

Issue

Section

Articles