Subfossil Spore–Pollen Spectra of Northern Yakutia as a Key to the Interpretation of Paleoecological Studies

Abstract

The results of the study obtained for spores and pollen from the subfossil spectra of samples from the Bykovsky Peninsula (northern Yakutia) are presented in order to compare them with the current vegetation composition, to consider the major cryogenic disturbances of palynological remains, and to analyze their cryogenic destruction processes. The abundant alien pollen of Betula sect. Nanae and Alnus in the spectra is due to open landscapes, relatively low pollen productivity, and the transition of herbs and shrubs prevailing in the local phytocenoses to a vegetative propagation in severe climatic conditions. The selective role of cryogenesis in the spore–pollen spectra formation is related to repeated sediment thawing and freezing cycles, resulting in physical damage (ruptures and cracks) in palynological remains. The results of research contribute to the study of the methodological aspects of palynotaphonomy in cryolithic zone sediments. They can be used to reconstruct the Neopleistocene landscapes and vegetation and to study cryopreservation of fossil living organisms and their diversity in the permafrost areas.