Tree lines and climate history

Tree lines and climate history in Jotunheimen since the last ice age

From the locality of Sikkilsdalstjørna at 1150 m a.s.l. in Jotunheimen, discoveries of old pine (Pinus sylvestris) logs (megafossils) indicate higher tree lines and more extensive forest, as well as higher summer temperatures, at this altitude in the period 9600–6500 years before present.

By doing detailed pollen and macrofossil analysis of a sediment core from this site past vegetation and climate can be reconstructed. In contrast to megafossils, pollen and plant macrofossils provide continuous information on past vegetation and climate change.

Tregrenser og klima i Jotunheimen siden siste istid