CI[)l1:721 - Memorial University of Newfoundland DAI

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CHAPTER 3
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT
The reconstruction of the environment within the study region relies heavily
upon geological and palynological data. Since there are no directly applicable
data for parts of the region, some application of previous research from other
parts of the region must be undertaken (i.e. it is largely a speculative exercise).
Further, the methodologies used in paleoenvironmental reconstruction are fre­
quently biased by the formation procedures which create the record beIng
studied (Butzer 1982: 177·181).
The majority of available paleoenvironmental data from Ihe region come
from palynological studies (e.g. potzger and Friezner 1948; Bradstreet and
Davis 1975; Matt 1975; Bernaba and Webb 1977; Sanger at a/. 1977; Davis
and Jacobson 1985). These studies have attempted to correlate forest species
present at a particular time wit!l fossil pollen taken from ponds and bogs.
Problems are inherent with this methodology, particularly in correlation of fossil
pollen assemblages to climate (Terrasmae 1973: 203), the small number of
radiocarbon dated profiles from the region (Bradstreet and Davis 1975: 8;
Sanger at al. 1977: 462), and correlation of fossil pollen studies with lhose of
modern pollen rain (Uvingstone 1968: 87). Descriptions of the paleoen·
vironmental setting based upon palynological data must consider the possible
effects of these factors.