Vegetation response to rapid climate change during the Lateglacial–Early Holocene transition at Gola di Lago, southern Switzerland

Predicting the effects of ongoing climate warming on vegetation requires a long-term perspective past ecosystem dynamics. We therefore analysed sedimentary record from mire Gola di Lago (985 m a.s.l.) in southern Switzerland, to better understand response rapid change. present high-resolution pollen and plant macrofossil study Lateglacial Early Holocene (13 400–10 400 cal. BP), climatic transition that represents close analogue current global warming. The responses during this time match previously palaeoecological sites south Alps. At end Bølling-Allerød interstadial, site was surrounded by open larch forest. beginning Younger Dryas characterized local presence expansion Pinus cembra, whereas second part dominated sylvestris, Betula Larix decidua. These dynamics agree well with independent data indicating cold dry start subsequent shift slightly warmer climate. following temperature increase at resulted an forest density establishment novel temperate assemblages, without major changes species diversity. Noteworthy, Dryas–Early transition, long-lived cold-adapted tree line such as P. cembra L. decidua persisted over several centuries, while boreal forests sylvestris expanded, high resilience changes. results suggest led significant change communities through range shifts. Our also indicates some may potentially be able locally persist under warming, forming assemblages newly establishing species.