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The chronology of the Late Bronze Age and the earliest stages of the Iron Age in the Mediterranean is an important topic of debate since the study of both local social dynamics and trade and colonial activity around the Mediterranean requires obviously well-established chronological frameworks. However, the exact chronology of the Early Iron Age in the Mediterranean region is still a problematic issue today since different, and in some cases unbalanced, sources of information (historical texts, material culture sequences, and radiocarbon dating results) are used. The NE Iberian Peninsula is not an exception and different time periods are proposed in the literature for the Early Iron Age. Here, and in order to provide a new and an independent input to feed this debate, we apply the archeomagnetic dating method to four archeological hearths from the Sant Jaume Complex, a set of several Early Iron Age archeological sites located in the north-eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The archeomagnetic dating results suggest that the abandonment of the studied structures (that can be linked to the abandonment of the archeological sites) most probably occurred before 650 BC, and therefore invalidate the age commonly ascribed to the Early Iron Age sites in this area. Our study provides, hence, new evidences that the traditional view of human settlement development in the NE Iberian Peninsula should be revisited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last years new evidences of several short-lived regional maxima of the geomagnetic field intensity at various times and locations have been defined. These features have important implications both for geomagnetic field modeling and for Earth's dynamo simulations. However, the nature, extent and underlying causes of these variations are still poorly understood. The major constraint for an adequate description of these important features is the absence of continuous detailed records and the current limited availability of precisely dated geomagnetic field recorders. In this context, archeological materials from superimposed strata covering long sequences of occupation provide a powerful tool to investigate the temporal variability of geomagnetic field strength at decadal and centennial time scales. In this work we report the archeomagnetic study of 79 potteries from Southeastern Spain collected in 14 different stratigraphic units. The chronological framework of the studied collection, ranging from the 9th to the 12th centuries, is based on historical/archeological data such as written sources and well-established typological and archeometric documentation on ceramics found on reference contexts in the area. Additionally, two radiocarbon dates obtained from two different stratigraphic units confirm the proposed chronological intervals. From classical Thellier and Thellier experiments including partial thermoremanent magnetization (pTRM) checks and TRM anisotropy and cooling rate corrections, height new high-quality mean intensities were derived. The new data provide an improved description of the sharp abrupt intensity decay that took place in Western Europe after the 800 AD intensity maximum, the most significant geomagnetic field intensity feature observed in Europe over the last two millennia. The new results confirm that several rapid intensity changes (with rates higher than 10 μT/century) took place in Western Europe during the recent history of the Earth. The comparison between the regional curve of Western Europe and the SHA.DIF.14k global field model predictions suggests that the 800 AD event observed in Europe is probably controlled by non-dipolar geomagnetic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Available archaeomagnetic data indicate that during the past 2500yr there have been periods of rapid geomagnetic field intensity fluctuations interspersed with periods of almost constant field strength. Despite Europe being the most widely covered region in terms of archaeomagnetic data the occurrence and the behaviour of these rapid geomagnetic field intensity changes is under discussion and the challenge now is to precisely describe them. The aim of this study is to obtain an improved description of the sharp intensity change that took place in western Europe around 800 AD as well as to investigate if this peak is observed at the continental scale. For this purpose 13 precisely dated early medieval Spanish pottery fragments, four archaeological French kilns and three collections of bricks used for the construction of different French historical buildings with ages ranging between 335 and 1260 AD have been studied. Classical Thellier experiments performed on 164 specimens, and including anisotropy of thermoremanent magnetisation and cooling rate corrections, gave 119 reliable results. The 10 new high-quality mean archaeointensities obtained confirm the existence of an intensity maximum of ∼85μT (at the latitude of Paris) centred at ∼800 AD and suggest that a previous abrupt intensity change occurred around 600 AD. Together with previously published data from western Europe that we deem to be the most reliable, the new data also suggest the existence of two other abrupt geomagnetic field intensity variations during the 12th century and around the second half of the 13th century AD. High-quality archaeointensities available from eastern Europe indicate that very similar geomagnetic field intensity changes occurred in this region. European data indicate that very rapid intensity changes (of at least 20μT/century) took place in the recent history of the Earth''s magnetic field. The results call for additional high-quality archaeointensities obtained from precisely dated samples and for a selection of the previously published data if a refined description of geomagnetic field intensity changes at regional scales is to be obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: New archaeointensity results have been obtained from the study of four ceramic collections coming from four different archaeological sites in Greece. The ages of the ceramic fragments, based on archaeological constrains and radiocarbon analysis, range from 2200 BC to 565 AD. Low-field magnetic susceptibility versus temperature reveals a good thermal stability for most of the samples. However, for some samples the thermomagnetic curves are not reversible indicating mineralogical changes during heating. Isothermal remanent magnetisation (IRM) acquisition curves and thermal demagnetisation of three orthogonal IRM components have also been performed. The rock magnetic results identify magnetite and/ or Ti-magnetite as the main magnetic carriers in the studied samples. Classical Thellier experiments with regular partial thermoremanent magnetisation (pTRM) checks have been conducted on 125 specimens belonging to 34 independent ceramic fragments. Only 61 archaeointensity determinations (at specimen level) that correspond to linear NRM–TRM plots were used for the calculation of the site mean archaeointensities. The effect of the anisotropy of the thermoremanent magnetisation (TRM) and cooling rate upon TRM intensity acquisition have been investigated in all specimens. The maximum difference between the TRM anisotropy corrected and uncorrected intensities is around 30% at specimen level confirming that the TRM effect can be very important in ceramic samples. Cooling rate correction factors determined per specimen are up to 10% with only one exception that reaches 35%. Despite the moderate success rate of archaeointensity determination (around 50%) reliable mean site intensities have been obtained, with in situ intensities ranging from 53.6±4.1 to 69.3±3.9μT, corresponding to virtual axial dipole moments from 9.2±0.7 to 11.9±0.7×1022 Am2. The new data are reasonably consistent with other available data for the studied region as well as with the SV reference curves for Greece and the South Balkan Peninsula, and the regional and global geomagnetic field models. Combined with previously published data from the area, they confirm that important changes of the Earth’s magnetic field intensity occurred in Greece during the last five millennia. For some periods, the available archaeointensity data for the Balkan area show a large dispersion, even for data corresponding to high quality intensity standards, whereas for other periods their limited number prevents an accurate description of geomagnetic field intensity changes. This evidences the need of new reliable and well dated archaeointensity data in order to obtain a robust description of geomagnetic field intensity changes during the last five millennia in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMMARY New full-vector archaeomagnetic data for North Africa recovered from the study of six kilns, five from Tunisia and one from Morocco, are presented. Archaeological and historical considerations, along with three radiocarbon dates, indicate that the age of the kilns ranges between the 9th and 15th centuries AD. Rock magnetic analyses showed that the principal magnetic carriers are magnetite and low Ti titanomagnetite, along with variable contributions of thermally stable maghemite and a high coercivity phase with low unblocking temperatures. The magnetic mineralogy of the studied material is thermally stable and behaves ideally during archaeointensity experiments. Stepwise alternating field demagnetization isolated a single, stable, characteristic remanence component with very well defined directions at both specimen and structure levels. Mean archaeointensities have been obtained from successful classical Thellier experiments conducted on between five and eight independent samples per kiln. Thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) anisotropy and cooling rate effects upon TRM intensity have been investigated. The results showed that these effects are low for four of the six studied kilns, with differences between the uncorrected and corrected means of less than 3 per cent. For the other two structures differences between the uncorrected and corrected mean site intensities are 4.4 per cent and 5.8 per cent. These results highlight the necessity for TRM anisotropy and cooling rate corrections in archaeomagnetic studies if accurate archaeointensities are to be obtained. The new results suggest that high intensities occurred in Northwest Africa during the 9th century. Although more data are clearly needed to define this period of high intensity, the results are in agreement with the available European archaeointensity data. A comparison between the new data, other available archaeomagnetic determinations in nearby locations, and palaeosecular variation (PSV) curves derived from the regional SCHA.DIF.3k and global ARCH3K.1 geomagnetic field models shows good agreement between the new data and directional results derived from the models. However, some differences are observed between geomagnetic field models intensity results and available archaeointensity data for the studied regions. This highlights the need for new data for unexplored regions such as North Africa. The new data presented here better constrains the evolution of the geomagnetic field during historical times in this region. They represent a new step towards the construction of a reference PSV curve for Northwest Africa. Once established, this curve will represent a new dating method for this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY New archaeomagnetic results from four heated/combustion structures recovered from two archaeological sites in central Spain are reported. They have been dated by archaeological evidence and in two cases by radiocarbon dating. Rock magnetic experiments indicate low coercivity magnetic phases, such as magnetite and thermally stable maghaemite, as the main carriers of the remanent magnetization. Haematite has been observed in poorly heated baked clays. Archaeomagnetic directions have been obtained from either alternating field or thermal demagnetization experiments performed on 57 specimens coming from 46 independently oriented samples. The four well-defined archaeomagnetic directions obtained are in good agreement with previous archaeomagnetic data and with recent regional and global field models. They define the beginning of easterly declination drift that was initiated around 350-400 AD and culminated around 800-850 AD, and delineate the maximum in inclination that took place around 600-650 AD. In addition, classical Thellier-Thellier experiments including thermal remanent magnetization anisotropy and cooling rate corrections were conducted on 23 specimens. Only 13 specimens, corresponding to well-defined single component behaviour, gave reliable results. New mean archaeointensities have been obtained for two of the four studied structures (VBK1, 64.2 ± 5.0 μT and VBT1, 62.4 ± 2.6 μT). The new data suggest that two relative intensity maxima occurred in Western Europe around 320 and 630 AD, being of lower magnitude that observed in Eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) has provided important insights into early deformation conditions in compressive settings through characterization of tectonic fabrics in mudrocks that appear otherwise undeformed. The validity of these insights relies on the assumption that tectonic fabrics are rapidly locked shortly after sediment deposition. However, the time lag between deposition and the tectonic overprint has yet to be quantified to verify this assumption. Here we present AMS data from Late Holocene sediments recovered in two cores from Lake Issyk-Kul in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan fold-and-thrust belt. These sediments, in which magnetic fabrics reflect the preferred orientation of phyllosillicates, have typical tectonic magnetic fabrics with varying degrees of tectonic overprint likely controlled by small-scale active faults. The mean orientation of the susceptibility maxima parallels neighbouring active thrust faults and is perpendicular to the geodetically-derived local shortening direction. The age model for one of the studied cores, which is based on 7 calibrated accelerator mass spectrometer radiocarbon dates, indicates that sediments as young as 25yr record this clear tectonic fabric, which is locked within sediments older than 1180cal. yr BP. Our demonstration of rapid locking of tectonic fabrics in weakly deformed mudrocks shortly after deposition provides the required validation of their reliability for tectonic studies, and opens new opportunities for providing quantitative insights into the relationship between magnetic ellipsoids, shortening rates, and stress directions in compressive settings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic phases are a common component of atmospheric particles and as such are being increasingly exploited in air quality studies. In this context the magnetic properties of Platanus x hispanica leaves were determined during the spring and summer months of 2001 and 2004 in Madrid, Spain. The leaves exhibited a stable magnetic signal carried by partially oxidized magnetite grains. Most or all of the material resided on the leaf surfaces as a net result of accumulation with time and removal through precipitation. Concentration and grain-size trends indicated that roads act as the source of the magnetic signal. The relationships between IRM1T (magnetic concentration) and the concentration of NO x and PM10 showed that the magnetic signal is specific to traffic-related emissions and not to total particle mass. City-wide maps of magnetic concentration were produced which describe the medium-term net accumulation of traffic-related particles. They showed the same pattern of concentration lows and highs in both years, with lower concentrations in 2004. Consistently high values were observed in south-central Madrid, in an area of high traffic activity. The effects of precipitation make establishing quantitative relationships between magnetic concentration and air quality parameters difficult when using tree leaves as a passive sampling system. However, a qualitative relationship is maintained which permits the mapping and identification of persistent features of particle accumulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the publication of the European archaeomagnetic field model SCHA.DIF.3k in 2009, the number of paleomagnetic data derived from archaeological materials such as baked clays and volcanic rocks coming from Europe has increased by about 90% for directions and around 180% for intensities. Taking advantage of this increase, here we provide an updated regional archaeomagnetic model, called SCHA.DIF.4k, for the European continent and adjacent areas and now covering the last four millennia. To model the three geomagnetic elements, declination, inclination, and intensity, we use the regional R‐SCHA2D technique in space and temporal basis of cubic splines. A critical selection of the archaeomagnetic and volcanic data available in a spherical cap of 30° centered at 40°N latitude and 10°E longitude has been considered. In addition, in order to better constrain the behavior of the archaeomagnetic field during the last centuries, we include the historical data of the HISTMAG compilation. The new regional model allows us to better define the paleomagnetic field over Europe as well as to generate new paleosecular variation curves for archaeomagnetic dating purposes. Using these curves, the dating precision has been estimated for the last 4 kyr. As expected, results show that it strongly depends on the data uncertainties, the temporal data distribution and the behavior of the geomagnetic field itself. In addition, the use of the full vector geomagnetic field, instead of the directional information exclusively, provides more precise archaeomagnetic dating results. Plain Language Summary: The Earth's magnetic field is generated by complex fluid movements located in the outer core and envelops our planet protecting us against the solar wind. For this reason, the geomagnetic field plays an important role to sustain our life. During the last decades, a worldwide network of observatories and satellites provided an accurate picture of the geomagnetic field changes. Moreover, thanks to the ability of some rocks preserving the ambient geomagnetic field, it is possible to know its past evolution at geological time scales through the so‐called paleomagnetic data. For the Holocene, the paleomagnetic information derived from certain archaeological artifacts and lava flows provides snapshots of the past geomagnetic field (or paleofield) and thus, they can be used to reconstruct it at local and global scales. Europe is the continent with a high density of paleomagnetic data for the last four millennia. Taking advantage of this, here we provide a regional reconstruction of the geomagnetic field for this period valid for Europe and adjacent areas. This new model is a useful tool to analyze the paleofield behavior. In addition, it can be used as an improved tool for dating archaeological remains and volcanic rocks from the target region. Key Points: An updated archaeomagnetic regional model for Europe for the last 4,000 yearsA better knowledge of the spatial and temporal past evolution of the European geomagnetic fieldThe regional model can be used as a tool for archaeomagnetic dating in Europe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueduct of Les Ferreres is a major element of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco. Although the ashlars of the aqueduct are stacked without mortar, lime was used in some parts and lime was certainly used in later repairs. Worthy of note is a coating mortar used in a well-documented restoration (1854–1856). In this study, a limekiln found near the Roman aqueduct has been archaeomagnetically dated to determine if it was used for the construction of the aqueduct or in later repairs. The mean values for the measured archaeomagnetic direction from the limekiln were compared with two different archaeomagnetic models (SCHA.DIF.3k and GUMF1), and both indicate that the limekiln is modern with ages only slightly older than the well-documented restoration. The extensive use of the coating mortar in that restoration is consistent with the need of onsite lime production. Additional archaeomagnetic intensity has not contributed to constrain further the obtained archaeomagnetic age but the intensity datum can be added to archaeomagnetic intensity datasets to enhance geomagnetic intensity field models. The paper illustrates how archaeomagnetic dating can be useful to characterize secondary structures of major cultural heritage monuments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present new archaeointensity results from Italy in order to enrich the reference dataset with high-quality intensity records from this area that is still poorly covered in terms of intensity data. The new data were obtained from palaeointensity experiments performed on 79 samples collected from six archaeological sites with ages ranging from 700 BC to 1600 AD. The samples, prepared from pottery and brick fragments, were analyzed using the classical Thellier method including the correction for the anisotropy of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) and for cooling rate dependence upon TRM acquisition. Strict quality criteria were applied to the obtained results to select only the most reliable intensity determinations. The accepted results were obtained from one single component pointing through the origin in Zijderveld plots and linear Arai plots without any evidence of magnetochemical alteration. The rejected experiments correspond to samples showing more than one component of magnetization or clear mineralogical changes during the Thellier experiments. The new data were compared with other archaeointensity records from Italy and nearby countries. They help to improve the intensity curve for Italy, even though there are still several time periods poorly covered by archaeointensity records. It is clear that more data are needed to reconstruct the detailed evolution of the geomagnetic field intensity in Italy and investigate the existence of the intense, short-lived, regional intensity maxima, identified in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the relationships between the large-scale stratigraphic architecture of the Almazán basin infill and the sedimentation rates ( SR) calculated for precise time intervals. Our aim was to improve the understanding of the timing and causes of the architectural changes, their significance in terms of accommodation space and sediment supply and their relationship with climate and tectonics. The study area includes the Gómara fluvial fan, the main sediment transfer system of the Almazán basin during Paleogene times. Its large-scale architecture shifted through time between a stacking pattern of low density ribbon-like and high density sheet-like channel fills. Laterally to the fluvial system, mudstone and evaporitic mudstone units represented evaporitic mudflats which passed laterally into palustrine/lacustrine limestone units interpreted as lakes and ponds. Stacked calcretes occurred in distal alluvial and distal floodplain settings. A magnetostratigraphy encompassing 2600 m guided by available fossil mammal biochronology has provided a temporal framework that spans the complete Paleogene infill of the basin, from Late Lutetian to Late Oligocene, filling a gap in the Cenozoic chronostratigraphy of Spanish basins. This permits to constrain the kinematics of the structures both in the basin and in its margins, and to provide the timing for the depositional sequences. These data, combined with a magnetostratigraphic map, where magnetic reversals were traced through the Gómara monocline, allow a detailed analysis of the SR variability across the fluvial system and its adjacent depositional environments. The results show that high sedimentation rates (around 30-40 cm kyr−1) are related to fluvial environments with low density ribbon-shaped channels, while low SR (around or below 10 cm kyr−1) are related to high density sheet-like channels. Laterally, mud dominated environments with high SR (15-20 cm kyr−1) grade into palustrine/lacustrine carbonated environments with low SR (around 9 cm ky−1). The lowest SR (about 3 cm kyr−1) are related to the development of stacked calcrete profiles in distal floodplain and in the connection of distal alluvial and palustrine/lacustrine units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper presents new magnetostratigraphic results from a 1100-m-thick composite section across the marine to continental sediments of the central part of the SE margin of the Ebro basin (NE Spain). Integration with existing marine and continental biochronological data allows a robust correlation with the geomagnetic polarity time scale. The resulting absolute chronology ranges from 36.3 to 31.1 Ma (Priabonian to Rupelian), and yields an interpolated age of ∼36.0 Ma (within chron C16n.2n) for the youngest marine sediments of the eastern Ebro basin. This age is in concordance with a reinterpretation of earlier magnetostratigraphic data from the western South Pyrenean foreland basin, and indicates that continentalization of the basin occurred as a rapid and isochronous event. The basin continentalization, determined by the seaway closure that resulted from the uplift of the western Pyrenees, was probably coincident with a mid-amplitude eustatic sea level low with a maximum at 36.2 Ma. The base level drop that followed the basin closure and desiccation does not appear associated to a significant sedimentary hiatus along the margins, suggesting a late Eocene shallow marine basin that rapidly refilled and raised its base level after the seaway closing. Rapid basin filling following continentalization predates the phase of rapid exhumation of the Central Pyrenean Axial Zone from 35.0 to 32.0 Ma, determined from the thermochronology data. It is possible then that sediment aggradation at the front of the fold-and-thrust belt could have contributed to a decrease in the taper angle, triggering growth of the inner orogenic wedge through break-back thrusting and underplating. Contrasting sedimentation trends between the western and eastern sectors of the South Pyrenean foreland indicate that basin closing preferentially affected those areas subjected to sediment bypass towards the ocean domain. As a result, sediment ponding after basin closure is responsible for a two-fold increase of sedimentation rates in the western sector, while changes of sedimentation rates are undetected in the more restricted scenario of the eastern Ebro basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In directional archaeomagnetic studies, it is rarely analysed whether the combustion structures display anisotropy of their thermoremanent magnetization (ATRM). It has been observed that, in specific cases like thin baked clays from the base of small hearths, archaeomagnetic directions can also be disturbed by the ATRM. We re-examine data from 56 combustion structures from Iberia and use them to analyse the ATRM effect on their archaeomagnetic directions. Flattening of inclinations up to 13o has been found in highly anisotropic structures that can be adequately corrected by the ATRM tensors. We show how the lack of anisotropy corrections on directional values can dramatically deteriorate the ages obtained from archaeomagnetic dating, highlighting the importance of systematically analysing this property in future archaeomagnetic studies. [Display omitted] • Inclination flattening has been found on archaeomagnetic directional studies. • Thin baked clays from small hearths are prone to present flatten inclinations. • These combustion structures present high anisotropy of their thermorremanence. • Anisotropy of thermoremanence tensors correct deviations of the inclinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands have been proposed as highly threatened by the ongoing and future climatic change, including projected sea-level changes as an additional forcing factor compared to more inland locations. The limited knowledge generated to date in this topic has been primarily focused on those areas attaining a high population density, and rarely deals with long-term (>50 years) dynamics. Here we present the first Holocene palaeoecological study carried in the Orinoco Delta, in NE Venezuela. The record presented here contains sediments from the last 6200 years and is located in a river-shore swamp dominated by the palm Mauritia flexuosa. Current human occupation is almost restricted to small settlements of the Warao indigenous culture, closely related to the use of M. flexuosa and other palm species present in the zone. The results show the occurrence of three well-distinguished palynological zones: (i) from 6200 to 5200 cal yr BP, characterised by mixed rainforest and other taxa related to salinity (coastal-like), low (negative) values of magnetic susceptibility and magnetic grain size, absence of transported clays, and the highest macrocharcoal particles abundance; (ii) from 5200 to 2950 cal yr BP, marked by a replacement of the mangrove-like vegetation by a more inland mixed-swamp forest community with low levels of charcoal, and (iii) from 2950 cal yr BP to present-day, characterised by the establishment of the current vegetation community, dominated by M. flexuosa , and an increasing trend in the charcoal curve since the last 700 years. A combination of regional (climatic changes) and local (sediment ontogeny) has been proposed as the key drivers influencing the vegetation succession recorded. The stabilisation of the sea-level that occurred during the mid-Holocene would have favoured the transgression of the coastal line, with the migration of the coastal-like vegetation seawards. Synchronous to this event, a trend towards drier conditions has been reported in the close Cariaco record, that could have also influenced the vegetation replacement. Between 3800 and 2800 years ago, the increased ENSO variability registered in Cariaco may have played a key role in the expansion of the Mauritia palm community. It is suggested that in our location, the potential inhabiting human populations were differently influenced by these environmental changes. First, the disappearance of the coastal resources could have favoured land abandonment, whereas the increase in the abundance of the palm might be influential for the arrival of other inland cultures that were previously used to manage Mauritia. This sequence shows the importance of the ecosystem services for the location inhabitants, highlighting the abandonment of the mid-Holocene culture coeval with the disappearance of its ecosystem. These results also provide information about the sensitivity and resilience in facing external stressors of both humans and vegetation, and will be valuable tools for managing the future of this ecosystem. • Vegetation dynamics of the Orinoco Delta have been reported for the last 6200 years. • Coastal-like community was present until sea-level stabilised after Holocene rising. • Mauritia palm swamp established 2.95 cal kyr BP coeval to increased ENSO variability. • Climatic changes and sediment ontogeny have been key drivers of the vegetation shifts. • The presence of two indigenous cultures with different life-styles has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands have been proposed as highly threatened by the ongoing and future climatic change, including projected sea-level changes as an additional forcing factor compared to more inland locations. The limited knowledge generated to date in this topic has been primarily focused in those areas attaining a high population density in the present-day, and rarely deals with long-term (>50 years) dynamics. Here we present the first Holocene palaeoecological study carried in the Orinoco Delta, in NE Venezuela. The record presented here, PATAM18_A12 (9º 30' N - 62º 41' W, 13 m bsl), contains sediments from the last 6200 years and is located in a river-shore swamp dominated by the palm Mauritia flexuosa. This palm is very abundant in the region, and forms both extensive monospecific and mixed vegetation communities along the river courses. Current human occupation is almost restricted to small settlements of the Warao indigenous culture (known as the boat people), closely related to the use of M. flexuosa (which they refer to as the "tree of life"), and other palm species present in the zone. The results show the occurrence of three well-distinguished palynological zones: (i) from 6200 to 5200 cal yr BP, characterised by mangrove and other taxa related to salinity, low (negative) values of magnetic susceptibility and magnetic grain size, absence of transported clays, and the highest macrocharcoal particles abundance; (ii) from 5200 to 2950 cal yr BP, marked by a replacement of the mangrove vegetation by a more inland mixed-swamp forest community with low levels of charcoal, and (iii) from 2950 cal yr BP to present-day, characterised by the establishment of the current vegetation community, dominated by M. flexuosa, and an increasing trend in the charcoal curve since the last 700 years. Climatic changes have been proposed as the key driver influencing the vegetation succession recorded. The stabilisation of the sea-level that occurred during the mid-Holocene would have favoured the transgression of the coastal line, with the migration of the mangrove vegetation seawards. Around 2800 years ago, the decrease of the ENSO variability registered in the close Cariaco record likely influenced the expansion of the Mauritia palm community. It is suggested that in our location, the inhabiting human populations were differently influenced by these environmental changes. First, the disappearance of the coastal resources could have favoured the land abandonment, whereas the increase in the abundance of the palm might be influential for the arrival of other inland cultures that were previously used to manage Mauritia. This sequence shows the importance of the ecosystem services for the location inhabitants, highlighting the abandonment of the mid-Holocene culture coeval with the disappearance of its ecosystem. These results also provide information about the sensitivity or resilience in facing external stressors of both humans and vegetation, and will be valuable tools for managing the future of this ecosystem. Project refs.: 2014 BP-B-00094 and IJCI-2015-24273. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]