Fine resolution palynology of Erua Swamp, central North Island, New Zealand, since the Taupo Tephra eruption of c. 1718 BP

Abstract

Fine resolution pollen analysis of a core from Erua Swamp shows that prior to the Taupo eruption of c. 1718 B.P., the site bore a dryland vegetation type on river flats. Patchy Nothofagus/Phyllocladus forest on the flats was destroyed by the eruption and replaced by Gleichenia-restionad swamp vegetation with abundant Halocarpus. Regional forest during the period from after the eruption to c. 650-560 B.P. was mixed podocarp, dominated by Dacrydium cupressinum and Prumnopitys taxifolia. A period of widespread and sustained anthropogenic destruction by fire of forest commenced c. 650-560 B.P.

Keywords

Palynology, late Holocene, volcanism, Taupo Tephra eruption, disturbance, Tongariro.