New palynological and tephrostratigraphical investigations of two salt lagoons on the island of Mljet, south Dalmatia, Croatia

In the sediments of both of the investigated lakes, the tephra from the Mercato-Ottaviano eruption (Vesuvius, southern Italy) (ca. 7900 B.P.) could be identified. The palynological investigations show that from ca. 9000-7200 B.P. (8000-6000 cal B.C.) deciduous oak forests predominated, with only a few representatives of Mediterranean vegetation. At the transition to the central European Atlantic Period those forests changed to an open vegetation type, dominated by Juniperus and Phillyrea. At about 5500 B.P. (4400 cal B.C.), the Juniperus-Phillyrea vegetation was replaced by Quercus ilex woodland that still occurs on the island of Mljet today and is considered to be the natural vegetation of the Dalmatian coastland. The associated vegetation of the Q. ilex forests changed several times. At the beginning of the Q. ilex period, Juniperus values were still high, but soon they decreased and Erica spread. In more recent times the Q. ilex forests were partially replaced by plantations of Pinus halepensis. Indicators of human impact are sparse throughout the pollen record. Clear evidence for human influence exists only from ca. 3100 B.P. (1300 cal B.C.) when Juglans and Pinus halepensis were introduced to the area. Later, Olea and Secale cultivation can be suggested and further spreading of Juniperus indicates use of the land as pasture.