ABOUT

The research question will investigate the potential of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs, organic-walled microremains of diverse biological affinity) and palynofacies in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstruction as well as their applicability in the study of archeological materials. Considering their various origin and ecological preferences, NPPs and palynofacies provide powerful tools in paleoenvironmental reconstructions, even in sediments that are poor in microremains of vascular plants such as pollen and spores. Research will be conducted on archived sediments in addition to two new case study areas representing a cave setting and an archeological site where NPPs and palynofacies analysis will be tested as paleoenvironmental proxies. Studies on NPPs and palynofacies are relatively underrepresented in the field of paleobotany with a significant knowledge gap in their identification and paleoecological implications. The research outcomes of the project will improve the overall understanding of NPPs including classification, biological affinity and environmental significance. Moreover, the results of the project contribute to both natural (geology, biology) as well as humane sciences (archaeology, anthropology) and can be used to track human-nature interactions from the past (Holocene). 

The applicability of NPPs and palynofacies in paleoenvironmental reconstruction will be tested at two pilot sites, including Vela Spila cave above Vela Luka (Korčula) and the Vučedol archaeological site.

We will integrate palynological, mineralogical, petrological, geochemical, and sedimentological analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental processes. Special attention will be given to taphonomic processes and the origins of recent contamination, which may alter palynofacies patterns and lead to misinterpretations in environmental reconstruction.

The project outcomes can contribute to both natural and humanistic sciences (archaeology) and enhance our understanding of past environmental changes and human-nature interactions.