Nela Doláková

Miocene vegetation pattern and climate change in the northwestern Central Paratethys domain (Czech and Slovak Republic)

Miocene vegetation pattern and climate change in the northwestern Central Paratethys domain (Czech and Slovak Republic) The case study area covers the slopes of the tectonically quiet European platform and foreland of the tectonically active Carpathian mountain chain (Carpathian Foredeep and Vienna Basin). Therefore the research on pollen spectra mirrors not only the evolution of landscape in two areas with different geodynamics, but also climatic changes in the Central Paratethys domain during the studied time interval. According to the pollen data, the Early to Middle Miocene vegetation reflects subtropical climate with very mild (negligible) cooling events during this period. This is indicated by common occurrence of thermophilous taxa in the whole sedimentary record. The Middle Miocene landscape evolution, conditioned by uplift of the Carpathian mountain chain and subsidence of adjacent lowlands, led to commencement of the altitudinal zonation. The terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems confirm a subtropical climate (Miocene Climatic Optimum, Mi3 event) with some possible long term changes in humidity. The Late Miocene paleogeographical changes, but also general climatic oscillations in the northwestern Central Paratethys realm, resulted in decrease of the number of thermophilous taxa during this time (change in latitudinal position of the vegetation cover). Variously high mountain relief of the uplifted mountain chains (altitudinal zonality) created ideal conditions for mixed mesophytic forests (to open woodland — open grassland type), still with presence of evergreen taxa. A subtropical climate with gradual transition to warm temperate climatic conditions is supposed on the basis of the reconstructed vegetation cover.

Diagnostic characters in fossil coralline algae (Corallinophycidae: Rhodophyta) from the Miocene of southern Moravia (Carpathian Foredeep, Czech Republic)

Fourteen coralline algal species (Corallinales, Sporolithales) from Early Langhian (Lower Badenian) red-algal limestones of the Carpathian Foredeep (Czech Republic) are described: Sporolithon lvovicum (Maslov) Bassi et al., Lithothamnion roveretoi Airoldi, Lithothamnion moretii Lemoine, ?Lithothamnion sp. 1, ?Lithothamnion sp. 2, Mesophyllum alternans (Foslie) Cabioch & Mendoza, M. cf. erubescens (Foslie) Lemoine, M. cf. printzianum Woelkerling & Harvey, M. curtum Lemoine, Phymatolithon sp., Lithophyllum sp. 1, Lithophyllum sp. 2, Hydrolithon lemoinei (Miranda) Aguirre et al. and Spongites fruticulosa Kützing. The characters used in coralline algal species description and identification are summarized and discussed. Five characters newly used in fossil material are associated with the structure and fate of presumed tetrasporangial, gametangial and carposporangial conceptacles, with the shape, size and organization of roof cells, and with the position of the asexuate conceptacles relative to the surrounding thallus surface. Gametangial conceptacles of Phymatolithon and gametangial and carposporangial plants of Sporolithon lvovicum are described for the first time.

Early Badenian ostracod assemblage of the Židlochovice stratotype(Carpathian Foredeep, Czech Republic)

Fifty-two ostracod taxa were identified from two sediment cores collected from the early Badenian Židlochovice stratotype. Ostracod assemblages were analyzed with a focus on taxonomy, paleoecology, distribution of taxa along the sediment cores, quantification of valve/carapace ratios, and species richness by Simpson’s Reciprocal Index. The changes in ostracod assemblages identified in these cores reflect a shallowing of the marine water-depth from circalittoral/epibathyal to shallow infralittoral, and an increase in the sedimentation rate upwards through time. A comparison of all Badenian ostracod assemblages in the Carpathian Foredeep indicates a high proportion of deep-water ostracod species in Židlochovice and its surroundings, suggesting that the deepest part of the Carpathian Foredeep was probably situated in this part of the Czech Republic.

Middle Pleistocene stratigraphy of the deposits in Za Hájovnou Cave (Javoříčko Karst, northern Moravia, Czech Republic)

Za Hajovnou Cave (Javořicko Karst, northen Moravia, Czech Republic) is a unique Middle Pleistocene locality. Paleontological material comes from different types of sediments in superposition of fluvial deposits of the sinkhole which was active until the maximum of the Cromerian Interglacial I, MIS 19 (B/M palaeomagnetic boundary, 781 ka). Stratigraphic interpretation was based mainly on 230Th/U dating, sedimentology, study of mammal assemblages and palynology. Sediments were divided into 5 groups of layers on the basis of lithological content and character of bone preservation. The 2nd group of layers was the most important for the stratigraphy of the Middle Pleistocene deposits. Three warm stages were documented by the study of sediments and their palaeontological content. We presuppose two stratigraphical alternatives. Alternative A: warm stage III corresponds most probably to MIS 9a, warm stage II could correspond to MIS 9c, warm stage I corresponds to MIS 11. Alternative B: warm stage III corresponds most probably to MIS 9a, warm stage II could correspond to MIS 9c, warm stage I corresponds to MIS 9e. The alternative A (warm stage I corresponds to MIS 11) is supported by the exclusive presence of evolutionary older forms of P. fossilis. If the alternative A is valid than very warm MIS 9e is absent. The alternative B (warm stage I corresponds to MIS 9e and all discussed warm stages agree with MIS 9) is supported by palynological record. The presence of Pterocarya is considered to be typical for Holsteinian with the last occurrences in Central Europe in MIS 9a. Against the alternative B speaks exclusive occurrence of evolutionary older lions in layers of the 2B group. Although both above mentioned alternatives are possible, the exclusive presence of evolutionary older group of lions in sediments of warm stage I support strongly alternative A. The youngest warm stage III does not exceed MIS 9a. Therefore, we consider all three warm stages in Za Hajovnou Cave as belonging to Holsteinian sensu lato. ■ Javořicko Karst, Za Hajovnou Cave, Middle Pleistocene, lithology, palaeozoology, palynology, Holsteinian s.l. Received July 15, 2014 Issued October, 2014 DOI 10.14446/AMNP.2014.107 lithostratigraphic setting), M. Sabol (lion remains), M. Ivanov (small mammals), N. Dolakova (palynology). Although many papers of the different branches of the Za Hajovnou Cave research have been previously published (Přirodovědne studie Muzea Prostějovska, 8/2005, 5–184, in Czech, 14 papers), this synthetic paper is focused mainly on the stratigraphy of Za Hajovnou Cave sediments. Material and methods The Za Hajovnou Cave is a typical bear cave of the Middle Pleistocene which assemblage is characterized by the dominance of Ursus cf. deningeri (Wagner 2005, Musil 2005b). Fossil remains of other vertebrate species are represented only by some isolated finds. Other large mammals are represented by Panthera fossilis, Panthera spelaea (known from the Late Pleistocene deposits) and the very scant findings of Canis sp., Bos/Bison sp., Equus sp., Sus scrofa and Rupicapra/Capra sp. (Abelova 2005). Systematic geological and palaeontological research of cave deposits in the Za Hajovnou Cave started in 2001. Up to the present time, altogether 13 sections were excavated (Musil 2014). Samples of sediments were gradually taken from all macroscopically distinct layers. All studied sections and individual layers have their unique designation. Macroscopically visible osteological remains were collected out of the sediments in front of the cave entrance and labelled with the number of section and layer. At the same time we have made a detailed description of all macroscopically visible features of each sedimentary unit. Sediments of selected layers were floated in water on the sieves (sizes 2 mm, 1 mm and 0.5 mm) to obtain fossil remains of all the small fauna. Standard maceration with HCl (20%), HF, KOH and HCl (10%) and heavy liquid ZnCl2 (density = 2 g/cm) was used for palynological samples. Approximately 50 palynological samples have been studied. For our stratigraphical conclusions we used published data of different authors (Lisa 2005, Catlos and Fejdi 2005, Zeman 2005, Stelcl and Zimak 2005, Kadlec et al. 2005, Musil 2005a, b, Wagner 2005, Sabol 2005, Ivanov 2005, Dolakova 2005, Lundberg et al. 2014) as well as data in this issue. 230Th/U dating of speleothems The oldest cave deposits are represented by fluvial sediments of the previous sinkhole. Their substantial part deposited within the Early Pleistocene because B/M palaeomagnetic boundary (781 ka) have been reported from the upper part of fluvial sediments below the non-fluvial deposits (Kadlec et al. 2014). Few speleothems suitable for the Th/U dating have been found in the cave (Lundberg et al. 2014): 1. Vykopana chodba, ZH P-4, only 4 cm thick cave bottom sinter situated under the cave roof, the underlying sediments were removed by former speleological excavations. It is situated ~ 4 m from the Kostnice II (= Charnel-House II), sampled at 1 cm from base, 224 ± 4 ka (MIS 7a after Cohen and Gibbard 2011, 7b after Dansgaard et al. 1993). 2. Vykopana chodba, ZH P-5, the Kostnice II, layer 2a – upper part, isolated fragment of broken sinter was dated, 145 ± 1 ka (MIS 6 after Cohen and Gibbard 2011), 267 ± 3 ka, (MIS 8 after Cohen and Gibbard 2011). Fragment of sinter of younger age apparently came into this layer accidentally. 3a. Narozeninova chodba, ZH P-10, the middle part of this corridor. Cave bottom sinter was formed after the formation of the erosional rill. The sample was taken from the underlying of the layer 3 in the roof of debris cone (layer 4). The 10 cm thick cave bottom sinter was sampled at 0.3 cm from top, 178 ± 1ka (MIS 7a after Cohen and Gibbard 2011, MIS 6 after Dansgaard et al. 1993). 3b. Narozeninova chodba, ZH P-10, the same cave bottom sinter and section as above. Sample for dating was taken at the base of the sinter, 239 ± 4 ka (MIS 7e after Cohen and Gibbard 2011, MIS 7e after Dansgaard et al. 1993). 4. Narozeninova chodba, ZH P-11, the base of the cave bottom sinter below the layer 1 was dated, 118 ± 1 ka (MIS 5e after Cohen and Gibbard 2011). 108 Text-fig. 1. The plan of Za Hajovnou Cave, survey of Tomica, A. (Musil 2005a, supplemented).

New information augmenting the picture of local environment at the LGM/LGT in the context of the Middle Danube region

Records of occupation by humans in the period following shortly after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21 ± 2 kyr cal. BP) are still very rare in Central Europe, since it is inferred that the extreme climatic conditions caused the decolonisation of previously settled areas. Our study focuses on the reconstruction of environmental conditions in the surroundings of the open-air Palaeolithic site, Brno-Štýřice III, which falls within this period. The research concentrated on the study of malacological, pollen and anthracological samples to reconstruct the climate shortly after the LGM. 14C dating places the chronostratigraphic position of the site more precisely at the end of the LGM, more specifically into Last Glacial Termination (LGT); analysis of chipped stone industry identifies the occupation with the Epigravettian settlement. The site represents a significant example of the recurrent habitation of a microclimatically favourable microregion near a watercourse in order to utilise available sources of livelihood. The results of the pollen, anthracological and malacological analyses documented a more or less treeless character of surrounding landscape. The vegetation was mostly formed by a mixture of shrub tundra and grassy loess steppe vegetation. Open woodland with birch, willow and bird cherry occurred in relatively moist river banks and the lower slopes of hills with more favourable microclimatic conditions. Malacological collection highlights the presence of cool temperate species (Pupilla loessica, Vallonia excentrica and Helicopsis striata). In the surroundings of the studied site, the pollen analysis provided a reconstruction of parkland forest-steppe vegetation (with lack of temperate deciduous trees) typical for a cold and dry climate. Development of both dry and moist stands near the watercourse was recorded. Anthracological analysis is in support of similar outcomes, reconstructing the presence of open woodland with dominating birch and willow in the nearby surroundings.

The Badenian parastratotype at Židlochovice from the perspective of the multiproxy study

Two shallow boreholes were drilled in 2010 into the Badenian (Langhian) parastratotype at Zidlochovice (Carpathian Foredeep, NN5 Zone, Czech Republic). Their profiles (26 m of sediment) were studied comprehensively (sedimentology, palaeontology-calcareous nannoplankton, red algae, palynology, Foraminifera, Bryozoa, Brachiopoda, Ostracoda, Mollusca, Teleostei and Elasmobranchii). The sedimentary succesion was biostratigraphically correlated with the NN5 Zone (14.9-13.9 Ma), namely with the initial time of the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition. Seven lithofacies representing multiple alternations of mudstone, sandstone and limestone facies were recognised within sedimentary succession. Fossils indicated a normal marine, warm to subtropical environment. The generally shallowing trend from the bottom (epibathyal/circalittoral) to the top (shallow infralittoral) of the sedimentary succession with repeated palaeobathymetric changes could be recognized in both boreholes. A mainly subtropical character of terrestrial flora was recorded. Within this framework, either warm wet conditions with seasonal increases, or cooler phases were observed. The abrupt change from mudstone deposited in a calm palaeoenvironment of the upper bathyal/circalittoral to the variegated deposits of shallow water represents the most significant event correlable with the FO of Orbulina (approximately 14.5-14.6 Ma). The interval below the FO of Orbulina can be characterized by mudstone facies and stable conditions of deposition, high nutrient input and a decrease of oxygen content at the bottom. Seasonal stratification of the water column is probable. Within this interval, cooling and an increase of seasonality were recorded. Above the FO of Orbulina, there is evidence of shallowing with a higher flow regime and higher sedimentation rate. The alternation of thick redalgal limestone bodies and variegated sandstone, mudstone and limestone interbeds possibly reflects orbitally forced climatic cyclicity.

Paleoekologický záznam středověkého a novověkého osídlení v nivních sedimentech na pomezí Jevišovické pahorkatiny a Dyjsko-svrateckého úvalu

Ze sedimentarnich výplni v nivach Unanovky a Jevisovky byly za ucelem výzkumu vývoje krajiny ve středověku a novověku odebrany vzorky pro makrozbytkovou, palynologickou a malakozoologickou analýzu. Profil Jevisovka podle ziskaných dat odraži vývoj od vrcholneho středověku do novověku. Profil Unanovka 3 se vztahuje pouze k novověku, a to od 17. stoleti. Z pisemných a archeologických pramenů bylo zjistěno, že na přelomu raneho a vrcholneho středověku dochazi v regionu ke stabilizaci sidelni struktury, ktera přetrvava do soucasnosti. Sedimenty vrcholneho středověku ve vrtu Jevisovka obsahuji velke množstvi makrozbytků z různých ekologických skupin, dřeviny a lesni druhy se vyskytuji minimalně. Ve vrstvě datovane do 14. stoleti se vyskytla pohanka obecna. Ve vyssich vrstvach převažuji ruderalni a segetalni druhy rostlin s mokřadnimi a vodnimi taxony, dřeviny mizi. Posledni faze z 18.–19. stoleti obsahuje makrozbytky vsech ekologických skupin a take dřeviny, mezi nimi jehlice smrku ztepileho, jako důsledek lesniho hospodařstvi, a pěstovane druhy tabak virginský a mak. Pylový zaznam ve svrchni casti profilu Jevisovka, ktera je zřejmě z 18. stoleti až soucasnosti, indikuje silně ruderalizovanou vegetaci v intravilanu vesnice. V připadě vrtu Unanovka 3 se nejnižsi vrstvy datovane do 17. stoleti vyznacuji přitomnosti druhů křovin a lesnich lemů rostoucich v okoli vodnich toků a ruderalnich stanovisť.