ANALYSIS OF POLLEN FROM THE SKULL CREEK BASINA FEASIBILITY STUDY

Soil samples from the Skull Creek study area were submitted for pollen analysis as part of an interdisciplinary, multi-use study of this unique geological area in northwestern Colorado, adjacent to Dinosaur National Monument. The pollen samples were taken in conjunction with an archaeological study and were submitted for analysis by the Craig District Office under contract number CO 010-PH6-1098. This study was designed and conducted as a preliminary feasibility study for pollen analysis of the area. It was hoped that the samples would confirm the preservation of pollen in sufficient quantity to facilitate further research into the modern and prehistoric environments as represented by the pollen record. Studies of the environment via the pollen record are facilitated by several botanical and archaeological studies of western Colorado, which provide lists of plants for comparison with the pollen record (Hurlbutt 1976, Woodbury et al. 1962, Breternitz 1970, Wenger 1956, and Walton personal communication November 12, 1976).