Investigation of climate and vegetation change in Göbekli Tepe (Türkiye) region using polen data

Pollen analysis from Göbekli Tepe, Turkey, reveals that the region was once dominated by a forest-steppe landscape with taxa such as Juglans (walnut), Abies (fir), Pinus (pine), and Juniperus, which are absent today. This study provides the first evidence of these forest-forming species in ancient Göbekli Tepe, shedding light on past vegetation dynamics. The research examined pollen samples from two wells, covering periods between 10634–12418 BCE and 11126–13354 BCE, respectively. By analyzing these records, the study highlights significant shifts in flora and climate, suggesting human influence on the regional ecosystem over millennia.

GÜZEL, A., PARMAKSIZ, A., & ÖZCANLI, M. (2023). Göbekli Tepe (Türkiye) bölgesinin iklim ve bitki örtüsü değişiminin polen verileri kullanılarak araştırılması. Biological Diversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.46309/biodicon.2023.1263014