DC 5 – University of Glasgow, Scotland
Alexandra is a palynologist specialising in the reconstruction of Holocene vegetation dynamics. Her experience includes classical palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, which combine pollen data with radiometric dating to establish landscape changes over time. Educated at St Petersburg University, she previously focused on Northwest Russia.
A key challenge in palaeoecological investigations, regardless of the study area, is achieving reconstructions that are as detailed as possible – both in terms of qualitative and quantitative approaches. This requires a strong emphasis on studying contemporary pollen samples in relation to modern vegetation composition, which was the central focus of Alexandra’s most recent research. Pollen-vegetation relationship studies can shed light on comprehensive interpretation of pollen data, e.g. determination of indicator species or correct quantitative interpretation of pollen ratios. This is particularly significant for establishing minor environmental changes and nature-human interactions in the past.
Alexandra’s research interests also encompass pollen-based modelling, an essential tool allowing more objective and unified reconstructions. She has experience in biome modelling and REVEALS.
AGRI-DRY Project:
Land cover changes and formation of cultural landscapes
Alexandra’s role within the project primarily centers on the environmental aspects of past landscape changes, with a particular focus on South Africa. As a palynologist, she looks at pollen records in order to provide a palaeoecological framework for archaeological research, aiming to identify the timing, patterns, and extent of prehistoric land use. Thus, the main research questions are:
1. How has the land cover in South Africa changed throughout the Middle and Late Holocene?
2. How much of this change was driven by human impact, and how much resulted from climatic shifts, therefore leading to natural biome transitions?
3. How has the land cover change impacted biodiversity?
Climatic shifts in South Africa, reflected in land cover changes, appear to coincide with the onset of more intensive land use. Establishing nature-human interactions of the past – combined with natural environmental changes that served as the background for anthropogenic impacts throughout the Holocene – is the core aim the research of DC5.
AGRI-DRY 