Holocene pollen stratigraphy of southern Sweden: a reappraisal using numerical methods

Holocene pollen data from two sites in Blekinge and one site in Scania were zoned independently by four different numerical methods. Local or site pollen assemblage zones were established for each sequence. Numerical comparisons of the two sites in Blekinge reveal similarities which allow the definition of a series of regional pollen assemblage zones for Blekinge. Numerical comparisons between Blekinge and Scania indicate no such similarities, and emphasise the necessity to establish regional zones for each area. Correlations between areas can then be attempted using radiocarbon dates. The advantages and disadvantages of applying numerical methods for these purposes are discussed, and their broader applications to a Nordic pollen correlation project are outlined.