Sedimentology, palynology and new geochronological constraints on Quaternary deposits of the Corvaro intermontane basin (central Italy)

Abstract Two main depositional phases are recognized in the Middle-Late Pleistocene sedimentary sequences of the Corvaro tectonic depression (Latium, central Italy). To improve the chronological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic frame of the area two boreholes were drilled. They allowed to estimate the thickness of deposits, to define the stratigraphy and to establish the presence, during the second phase, of a palustrine/lacustrine environment limited to the marginal sector of the Amara valley alluvial fan. The Corvaro 2 core was palynologically investigated. Pollen of nonarboreal plants dominates the assemblages, suggesting that a steppe characterized the environment during a glacial phase. Pollen of arboreal plants is scarce, and represented mainly by gymnosperm trees and shrubs. A slight expansion of deciduous oaks together with sparse occurrences of some other mesophilous trees is radiocarbon dated at around 30,000 years BP. These arboreal oscillations of the last glacial period are found for the first time in a mountain area of the Apennine region. Our results suggest that intermontane valleys, such as Valle del Salto, have probably played an important role in preserving biodiversity.