Evidence of tertiary forest in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

J. F. Birnie*, D. E. Roberts

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent examination of the sediments and microfossils of a wood-bearing deposit in West Falklands (Lat. 51° 21′S, Long. 60° 42′W) indicates that it represents an in-situ forest environment and not driftwood, as originally assumed following its description in 1912. Palynomorphs in the organic matrix are consistent with wood identifications, and record a local palaeoenvironment of podocarp-type forest with some Nothofagus and tree ferns. Physical characteristics of the sediment matrix also indicate a terrestrial rather than coastal origin. The immense contrast of this forest with the treeless oceanic heath of the Falklands at the present time makes a Quaternary date extremely unlikely, despite the excellent preservation of micro- and macrofossils. In the context of present knowledge of the Southern Hemisphere palaeoclimate, a date of deposition prior to Antarctic cooling and the initiation of the circumpolar current is suggested. Palaeobotanical characteristics of the palynomorph assemblage also suggest pre-Late Tertiary date.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-53
Number of pages9
JournalPalaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 May 1986

Keywords

  • Falkland Islands
  • Tertiary Forest

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