New data on Mesolithic people interaction with environment (South-Eastern Baltic region)

A comprehensive study of the Utinoe Boloto paleoarchive* using geochronological, lithological, palynological, and paleoanthracological analyses described vegetation dynamics and identified changes in soil erosion and fire activity during the Late Glacial and Early Holocene. The results, considered in the context of regional vegetation dynamics, allowed identifying local features likely related to anthropogenic impact. Palynological and paleoanthracological data documented the onset of colonisation of the study area through changes in vegetation cover (a reduction in tree species against a background of peak hazel and fern content) and the maximum macrocharcoal content for the section, as well as soil erosion indicators. These changes were clearly expressed within 10,300—8100 cal yr BP. Trampling of the soil cover at the site of ancient economic activity and deliberate deforestation of the surrounding area can be assumed. Elevated hazel pollen and fern spore levels, combined with macrocharcoal peaks, may indicate the burning of forest areas to stimulate the growth of hazel, one of the most important plant resources for the subsistence of the Mesolithic population. Thus, the study indicates an active interaction of ancient humans with nature and intensive anthropogenic impact on the surrounding landscape and vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the settlement already in the Mesolithic.