ANALYSIS OF STRATIGRAPHIC POLLEN AND PHYTOLITH SAMPLES FROM RIO DEL OSO, NEW MEXICO

Several stratigraphic columns were sampled in the cut bank at Rio del Oso to recover pollen and phytoliths that will provide a signal of regional and local vegetation through time. This vegetation is expected to be a reflection of both natural and cultural events. Radiocarbon ages are available for many levels, providing tight dating for the stratigraphic columns. The pollen record was examined to provide evidence of changes in both regional and local vegetation, while the phytolith record was expected to provide a record of changes in the local grass population and perhaps evidence of other plants. Microscopic charcoal was tallied to provide information concerning regional fires during times represented. The goal of this analysis is reconstruction of past vegetation and vegetation communities, leading to an interpretation of the paleoenvironment and a reconstruction of the landscape.