La vegetation du bassin de l'aude, entre pyrenees et massif central, au tardiglaciaire et au postglaciaire d'apres l'analyse anthracologique

This study presents the first synthesis of the Late and Postglacial vegetation between the Pyrénées and the Massif Central, in the Aude Basin at lower elevation. The results are based upon the identification of more than 2,000 charcoal pieces from prehistoric settlements. Firs and pines (Pinus sylvestris) persist in the Pyrenean area as far as the Neolithic, contrary to the south of the Massif Central where a Mediterranean influence is recorded. Refuges of vegetation give the best explanation for Late Glacial phytogeography; evidence for these refuges has been found at Belvis. In the Mediterranean area we can describe three vegetation successions during Postglacial time. The early vegetation was dominated by pines and deciduous oaks (Preboreal, Boreal). Later deciduous oak forests with thermophilous plants were growing (Atlantic period). Finally, in the Subboreal and Subatlantic period evergreen oak forests (Quercus ilex) are extended. The late extension of Quercus ilex (Subatlantic or earlier) is of anthropic origin.