Evolution and palaeoenvironmental conditions of an interfan area in Eastern Spain (Navarrés, Valencia)

Abstract

The paper reports the results of a study carried out in the Canal de Navarrés tectonic valley to establish its evolution. The study was based on field surveys and the analysis of a 25 m long core. Both exorheic and endorheic episodes occurred in the valley, giving rise to alluvial fans and thick travertine deposits which dammed the valley bottom. Sedimentological analyses confirmed the presence of high energy fluvial episodes alternating with diffuse rainwash and decantation of fine deposits. The upper levels in the studied core correspond to a lacustrine environment with peat layers. At the depth of 4.30 m, remains of ostracods, molluscs, gastropods and charophytes are present suggesting high energy conditions; from 2.20 m lower energy conditions prevail up to the end of the sequence. Absolute datings indicate that the sequence spans over a period from about 178 ka BP to less than 3 ka BP. Pollen analyses of the most superficial portions of the studied core show Pinus as the predominant tree from 15 to 5 ka BP, when it is partially replaced by Quercus with Mediterranean shrubs and deciduous trees. The presence of an Eneolithic settlement at ca. 5 ka BP seems to coincide with a period of greater erosion with eutrofication of the basin and diffusion of hydrophytes.