The palaeobotanical collections

The palaeobotanical collections include cores from lake sediments and peats, as well as macrofossil and charcoal samples from archaeological contexts, with the majority of sites in Western Norway. In total, over 60,000 pollen samples and 25,000 macrofossil samples are registered in the collections.

Palynology (pollen, spores, algae and NPP) and macrofossil analysis are used to reconstruct past vegetation and environments. Palynology is the most important method we have for reconstructing vegetation history. Macrofossil analysis is used to interpret local vegetation and activity. Strategic collection is emphasised in order to obtain the best possible information about vegetation and environment in connection with hunter-fisher-gatherers and agricultural development.

Charcoal samples are used to identify material for dating and interpret archaeological structures.

In collaboration with archaeologists, cultural and natural environments are sampled and documented during archaeological rescue investigations. 

Palaeobotanical research has long traditions at UiB. Palaeobotany, osteology and geology form the interdisciplinary research group FLOM. The laboratory facilities are co-located with the Department of Biological Sciences (paleoecology@uib).