Vegetation history of Ropphaugen in Budalen, Midtre Gauldal, Central Norway, with additional information from non pollen palynomorphs (NPP)

Abstract

The vegetation history of Ropphaugen in Budalen is traced back to 9670±130 BP (BC 9040-8610), when the inland ice had retreated from the site. Already at this time people used the area for hunting reindeer and moose. The presence of these animals is indicated by spores from coprophilous fungi. A possible Bronze age settlement can be traced, and iron production from bog ore took place about AD 1400. The iron production changed the vegetation by removal of pine for the ovens and birch for firewood.Key words: vegetation history, pollen analysis, use and evaluation of NPP, iron production.