A sequence of Late Quaternary deposits at Pipe Clay Lagoon, southeastern Tasmania

Abstract

A record is presented of late Quaternary deposits from two sections on the Lumeah Point Peninsula, Pipe Clay Lagoon. The results permit interpretation of some of the main geomorphic events and environmental changes that have occurred during the late Last Glacial and Holocene stages. Interglacial marine deposits of sand, clayey-sand and gravels are unconformably overlain by freshwater organic sediments dated to about 25,000-20,000 BP. Pollen analysis indicates a change in vegetation from Eucalyptus forest to Eucalyptus-savannah during this time. After 22,000 BP aeolian sands began to accumulate at Site A and probably continued during the maximum of the Last Glacial stage. Once stabilised, the aeolian and adj acent marine sands were strongly podzolised during the Holocene. Aboriginal middens and thin coversands resulting from forest clearance for agriculture by European settlers occur in and on the A\1 horizon of the podzol.