POLLEN ANALYSIS OF SEDIMENT FROM HARPERS WELL, CALIFORNIA

Summary

The pollen record for Harper's Well in southeastern California is derived from samples

collected at 2 cm intervals to provide good resolution for identification of vegetation in sediments

thought to represent the historic era at the top of the column and prehistoric levels prior to

Spanish exploration and grazing at depths of 12 cm and below. Native Americans settled this

area between 1600 and 1774 AD. DeAnza's expedition in 1774 provides our first written

records. Prior to 1600 AD, Lake Cahuilla inundated the area. The final recession of the lake

is noted between 1540 and 1600. Pollen analysis was undertaken to provide a record of

vegetation between the recession of Lake Cahuilla and ranging operations.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

Keywords

File Information