Project Eastern Svealand: Development of the Holocene landscape
Abstract
Stratigraphical studies connected with archaeological excavations in the Stockholm region and Eastern Svealand have resulted in a preliminary reassessment of the holocene development. An apparant interaction of climate, shore displacement and altitudes of dwelling sites has been traced. The main aim of the project is to construct a reliable curve of shore displacement for the time period 9 000 B.P . to modern times.
The investigation has started in the Södertörn area south of Stockholm. Reference areas north of Stockhol , north of Uppsala and west of Nyköping have been included in the project.
At present stratigraphical studies combined with diatom analysis, organic carbon measurements and radiocarbon datings are being carried out on sediment cores from 20 lakes in the Södertörn area. The lakes investigated are situated between the altitude of 85 m a .s. l. and down to the present sea-level. Furthermore the study will be completed with vegetational development by means of pollen analysis. Some of the lakes studied also contain varved sediments which can be used for counting and absolute dating.
The investigation is included in the IGCP (International Geological Correlation Programme) 158 B project »Palaeohydrological changes in the temperate zone in the last 15 000 years. B. Lake and mire environments», in which the Stockholm region is a reference area.
