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Origin and evolution of the Mediterranean vegetation and climate in Europe

Nature volume 307, pages 429–432 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Palynology provides information about Pliocene and early Pleistocene vegetation and climate evolution inthe north-west Mediterranean area in relation to high northern latitude climatic trends. An important change occurred approximately 3.2 Myr ago with the appearance of the Mediterranean climatic rhythm (summer drought) causing the individualization of the modern Mediterranean floral elements. Quaternary-type mediterranean climatic fluctuations started approximately 2.3 Myr ago (early Glacial) causing the Mediterranean-type of vegetational organization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Palynologie, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution (LA 327 CNRS), Université des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, 34060, Montpellier Cedex, France

    J.-P. Suc

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  1. J.-P. Suc
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Suc, JP. Origin and evolution of the Mediterranean vegetation and climate in Europe. Nature 307, 429–432 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/307429a0

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